Description
The Art of Discernment is a six-week online course examining how artificial intelligence is changing the way we think, create, make decisions and relate to one another.
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life, influencing what we read, what we believe, how we work and how we communicate. Its ability to produce convincing answers, imitate human conversation and generate creative material raises questions that go far beyond how to use the technology.
How do we distinguish knowledge from plausible invention? What happens when machines appear to understand us? How do we recognise bias, question authority and retain ownership of our ideas?
Each week we will explore a different aspect of our relationship with artificial intelligence, drawing on philosophy, psychology, contemporary research and practical examples.
The six sessions explore:
The Illusion of Understanding: Why convincing answers are not necessarily reliable answers.
The Contamination of Knowledge: Misinformation, repetition and the changing nature of evidence.
The Simulation of Humanity: Trust, emotional attachment and the appearance of human understanding.
Authorship and Intellectual Sovereignty: Creativity, originality and ownership of our thinking.
Trust, Evidence and Governance: Questioning information, recognising limitations and exercising independent judgement.
The Human Remains: Attention, responsibility and what it means to remain human in an increasingly automated world.
This is not a course about writing better prompts or mastering particular AI tools. Nor is it an argument for or against artificial intelligence. It is an opportunity to examine its influence, challenge assumptions and develop a more considered relationship with the technology.
The course includes discussion, practical exercises and opportunities for reflection. No technical expertise or previous knowledge of artificial intelligence is required.
Places are limited to 12 to allow time for discussion, questions and shared exploration.
Live on Zoom over six Wednesday evenings: 10 March to 14 April 2027, 7.30 to 9.00 pm UK time.
Course fee: £120 per person.
Agenda
10 March: The Illusion of Understanding
Why convincing answers are not necessarily reliable answers. We examine how AI produces responses, why they can appear authoritative and how to recognise the limits of apparent understanding. Preparation: Bring an example of an AI response you found convincing, surprising or questionable.
17 March: The Contamination of Knowledge
How misinformation, repetition, synthetic content and unreliable sources influence what we believe. We consider how to distinguish evidence from plausible invention. Preparation: Bring an example of a claim or piece of information you would like to investigate.
24 March: The Simulation of Humanity
Why we attribute human qualities to artificial intelligence, how apparent empathy influences trust and what happens when machines begin to shape human communication. Preparation: Notice examples of humanlike AI communication in everyday life.
31 March: Authorship and Intellectual Sovereignty
Who shapes our ideas when we collaborate with artificial intelligence? We explore originality, creative influence, intellectual ownership and the preservation of independent thought. Preparation: Consider an occasion when technology influenced a creative or professional decision.
7 April: Trust, Evidence and Governance
How can we evaluate AI-generated information and recognise its limitations? We examine verification, accountability and the difference between agreement and independent evidence. Preparation: Bring a question or claim that you would like to test.
14 April: The Human Remains
What happens to attention, judgement, creativity and responsibility as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life? We bring together the course's ideas and consider how to apply them. Preparation: Reflect on how your understanding of AI has changed during the course.
FAQs
- Do I need any previous knowledge of artificial intelligence?
No. The course is suitable for anyone interested in how artificial intelligence is influencing our thinking, creativity, decisions and relationships. No technical knowledge is required.
- Do I need to use ChatGPT or other AI tools?
No. You do not need an AI subscription or any particular software. We will examine examples and undertake practical exercises, but the emphasis is on understanding and questioning the technology rather than learning how to operate it.
- Who is the course for?
Anyone interested in the wider implications of artificial intelligence, including artists, writers, educators, business owners and professionals. You do not need to work in technology or have a creative background.
- Do I need any special materials?
Just a notebook and something to write with. Any additional resources or suggested reading will be provided during the course.
- Is the course recorded?
No. The Art of Observation is designed as a live, small-group experience, so sessions will not be recorded. - What happens if I miss a session?
If you miss a week, we will send a short summary or prompt so you can continue with the course. But do not worry about sending an email to hello@gaelhillyard.com if you have any issues - I am sure we can work around it somehow!
- How is the course delivered?
Live on Zoom over six Wednesday evenings. Joining instructions will be emailed before the first session, and the same Zoom link will be used throughout.
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