Royal Institute of Philosophy: Carina Prunkl: Learning to think with AI: children’s agency and the problem of reliance

This lecture explores how children’s use of generative AI may shape the development of their agency and epistemic capacities. It asks what it means for children to rely on AI tools when those tools can help them answer questions and solve problems, while also taking over parts of inquiry and judgement.

Dr Carina Prunkl considers the tension between beneficial reliance and overreliance. The talk examines how children learn through dependence on other people and technologies, and whether some forms of reliance may weaken the capacities that make agency possible.

It is a philosophical discussion of children, technology, and the changing role of AI in everyday learning.

The event is organised by the Royal Institute of Philosophy and features Dr Carina Prunkl, a researcher in AI ethics and governance. It is an in-person lecture in London, suitable for anyone interested in philosophy, AI ethics, children’s development, and the wider social implications of emerging technologies.