Financial Times column says universities must rethink their role in AI era

In short: A Financial Times opinion column argues that universities and other knowledge institutions may need major changes as AI becomes a normal tool for thinking and writing.

What's going on

Universities are built around a simple idea, people go there to learn information, practice skills, and show what they know through essays, exams, and research. The Financial Times column asks what happens when AI systems can do many of those tasks quickly, including drafting text and answering questions.

This shifts the meaning of “human inquiry”, which is a formal way of saying human-led questioning, studying, and discovering. If a student can ask an AI for an outline, a summary, or even a full first draft, it becomes harder to tell what work reflects the student’s own understanding.

The column’s wider point is that universities are not just places that hand out facts. They also teach judgment, like a driving instructor teaching you how to handle the road, not just where the pedals are. In an AI-heavy world, the author suggests institutions may need to redesign courses, assessment, and research practices so they reward careful thinking and originality, not just producing polished text.

What to watch

Watch for universities changing rules on AI use, and redesigning exams and coursework to test reasoning in more direct ways, such as in-person work, oral exams, or showing step-by-step notes. Also watch for new training on how to use AI responsibly, similar to how schools teach students to cite sources and avoid plagiarism.

Source: Financial Times