Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: There is now widespread use of large language (LLM)-based generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic research and writing. While these are convenient, quick, and output enhancing, they also arguably incur ethical issues, such as questionable authenticity and plagiarism. Here, I explore epistemological aspects of AI use in academic writing and posit that there is evidence for three related pitfalls in AI use that should not be ignored. These include (1) epistemic detriment or harm in terms of illusions of understanding, (2) potential for cognitive dulling or impairment, and (3) AI dependency (both habitual and/or emotional). Thus, any potential infringements of academic ethics aside, AI use in academic writing incurs intrinsic problems that are epistemic in nature. These epistemic downsides call for restraint and moderation beyond regulatory measures to address ethical issues in AI use.
Source: Publications
Author: Bor Luen Tang
Institution: National University of Singapore
Language: English
Subfield: Safety Research
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,689
OpenAlex ID: W4417049308