Adam Smith & AI

It’s not immediately evident that Adam Smith and Artificial Intelligence belong in the same conversation. One is an 18th-century moral philosopher and economist; the other, a rapidly evolving technological force reshaping our world. But thanks to Pete for sharing Brendan McCord’s thought-provoking Substack essay, The Artificial Spectator, over the weekend, I’ve been reflecting on how these two seemingly distant ideas can—and should—be integrated, especially here at the College of Charleston.

McCord’s essay warns of a future where AI becomes an “autocomplete for life,” subtly guiding our choices, relationships, and even our moral judgments. He calls for a new kind of leader: the philosopher-builder—someone who not only understands how to build technology, but also why it matters and how it should serve humanity.

This call echoes the spirit of Adam Smith, whose work is often reduced to economic theory but is deeply rooted in moral philosophy. In The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith emphasized the importance of sympathy, virtue, and the development of moral judgment through human interaction. He believed a prosperous society must be grounded in ethical reflection and civic responsibility.

So, what does this mean for us?

We are uniquely positioned at the College of Charleston to lead in this space. Our Liberal Arts heritage encourages us to ask the more profound questions—about meaning, ethics, and human purpose—while our strong Professional Education equips students with the skills to discover, decide, and deliver, with integrity. This dual strength allows us to prepare the next generation of philosopher-builders.

As we integrate AI into our curriculum, research, and daily operations, we should do so with Smith’s wisdom in mind:

• Let AI augment human creativity, not replace it.
• Use technology to enhance autonomy, not diminish it.
• Ensure innovation serves the public good, not just private gain.

This is more than a philosophical exercise—it’s a practical imperative. If we want our students to thrive in a world shaped by AI, we must teach them not only how to use it, but how to question it, shape it, and lead with it.

Let’s continue to build a future where technology and humanity grow together—with wisdom, purpose, and integrity.

YOU make a difference!

Ponder this with me …

Special thanks to Copilot, Gemini, and Grammarly for their assistance.