Royal Academy of Morocco Explores AI Through Humanities, Seeks Shared Cognitive Theory

In its 51st session, the Royal Academy of Morocco is undertaking a profound examination of artificial intelligence, not merely as a technological marvel, but through the critical prism of the humanities and social sciences. This unique approach, led by specialists in history, philosophy, literature, and the history of science, aims to forge a "shared cognitive theory" between humans and algorithms. The academy's perspective, as articulated by Permanent Secretary Abdeljalil Lahjomri, emphasizes a collaborative future where AI serves humanity, rather than dominating it. This is not about pitting humans against machines, but about building a common intellectual ground.

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In the face of unprecedentedly rapid cognitive and technological transformations, artificial intelligence is at the heart of daily life and is decisive in its various fields, necessitating a shared epistemology between humans and algorithms.

Lahjomri's discourse highlights the urgency of this endeavor. He stresses that AI is now deeply embedded in our daily lives, necessitating an "epistemology" that bridges the gap between human judgment and algorithmic calculation. This framework must foster critical thinking, enabling us to harness AI's power for computation and prediction while retaining human capacity for wisdom, interpretation, and ethical responsibility. The academy is particularly concerned with ensuring that AI remains a tool for human progress, guarding against its potential to dehumanize or control. This nuanced view, prioritizing human values alongside technological advancement, is central to the Moroccan perspective.

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We need an epistemology that marries precision with wisdom, and speed with insight. It improves the guidance of new tools and sets limits on their authority, so that the production of knowledge remains a servant of humanity, not its master.

Furthermore, the academy confronts the inherent challenges posed by AI, such as algorithmic bias reflecting existing societal inequalities and the pervasive issues of data privacy. The potential for generative AI to erode public trust in information is also a significant concern. The Moroccan approach, therefore, calls for robust "governance" that balances innovation with responsibility. It advocates for a dialogue that integrates local values with global technological trends, avoiding both isolation and blind adoption. This commitment to a critical, yet constructive, engagement with AI positions the Royal Academy of Morocco as a thoughtful contributor to the global conversation, ensuring that technological progress aligns with societal well-being and cultural identity.

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Humanities are not meant to merely adorn AI's outputs with a decorative flourish; their function, in principle, is to deconstruct its logic, examine its effects, and contribute to evaluating and guiding its paths. Algorithms are not carriers of value in themselves; rather, they embody a set of human choices in data selection, classification, and the setting of acceptable error, which requires a critical perspective.