In the last several years, technological advancements have begun to change the direction of education. You can now easily ask a computer to write for you, create for you, draw for you, to think for you—and it does so with a level of efficiency that is difficult for the human mind to comprehend. The direction of education seems to be in attempting to prepare students for a life centered in technology, computers, cell-phones, and devices. So, in the world of Artificial Intelligence, why does a Classical Education still matter? Why do real books, cell-phone free classrooms, discussions of enduring questions, and readings of Homer still matter? Why does Twin Peaks resist the temptation of this new tool that can seemingly address the every need and every desire of every student?
The answer is simple. We fear for the humanity of the next generation. Our fear for this generation of students lies in our belief that what CAN be done by technology should not be our baseline for what SHOULD be done by humans. While AI continues to drastically change what our world looks like, Twin Peaks Classical Academy stands strong in our conviction that humans are and should be the unchallenged pinnacle for the pursuit of truth, and of goodness, and of beauty. AI threatens to take away the very struggles that actually form our humanity. And so, we aim for our students to have deep and strong roots in human interaction, human connection, and an understanding of ethics and virtue based in human history.
Technology, no matter how advanced, will never replace a firm handshake with a new acquaintance, a good belly-laugh with a friend, a painting that has been toiled over for years, a debate amongst individuals with diverse opinions, or crying with others over shared grief.
Humanity is required in the raising of humans.
At Twin Peaks, we believe in teaching students to identify, to think, to create, to listen, to speak, and to honor the beauty around them. We believe that these skills will carry them much further in life than a high school diploma or a college degree. While we are extraordinarily proud of our students' stellar test scores, college acceptance, and post-secondary preparedness, we find our passion in preparing them for a life of flourishing in and defending our humanity. We have found a hope for our future and we will continue to defend the development of humans, not simply creating more operators of technology. We find hope in real humans and real intelligence.
Ms. Burns
Please read our full statement on Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a technological advancement that is having a profound effect on the way people work and live. Our culture is one fixated on instant gratification and efficiency, often at the cost of deep understanding and a healthy work ethic. Twin Peaks Classical Academy’s approach to technology is not to reject its use but to be thoughtful and intentional about how and when it ought to be applied. If one visits the gym to build strength and agility, bringing a forklift defeats the purpose. Our role is to develop, foster, and cultivate humanity within the artisan, not to forgo growing pangs for the sake of simple efficiency. Identical bowls can be swiftly mass-produced by a machine; yet the beautiful, painstaking, and meticulous sculpting by the maker speaks to the worth of the delicate vase. There is existential joy and purpose found within the struggle. Similarly, we value the individual human spirit that is alive in the invention and development of ideas. It is integral to our soul’s essence and purpose to pursue truth, beauty, and goodness.
Because we value independent thought and the ability to discern between truth and falsehood;
Because we value the cultivation of humanity;
Because we value honor and respect in the sharing of ideas between teachers, students, and peers;
Because we value personal responsibility;
Because we value reading, writing, thinking, computation, listening, and speaking;
Because we value resilience and self-sufficiency;
Because we value the endurance necessary to overcome obstacles within the process of learning;
Because we value the inherent beauty of human ingenuity;
AI is not an instrument for use at Twin Peaks Classical Academy.
#realintelligence #writtenbyhumans