Generative artificial intelligence (AI) and scholarship

This manifesto and principles cut through the hype around generative AI to provide a framework that supports scholars and students in figuring out if, rather than how, generative AI contributes to their scholarship. This approach reminds us that what is at stake is nothing less than our educational values.

The materials were prepared by Dr Ella McPherson, SHSS Deputy Head and Director of Education (manifesto); Prof Matei Candea, SHSS Academic Project Director for Technology and Teaching (principles); and Megan Capon, SHSS Academic Project Coordinator (overall support and AI-declaration framework). We prepared them at the request of the SHSS Council to support departments and faculties in local policy decisions around generative AI. These decisions relate to the University’s designation of the use of AI in assessments as academic misconduct unless expressly allowed and acknowledged. We gratefully received and incorporated feedback from several members of SHSS on the manifesto and principles.

This set of resources includes a manifesto written for scholars and those practicing and policy-making about teaching and research; a set of principles for approaching decisions about generative AI; an open letter aimed at a student audience; and further, practical resources for clarifying and communicating local policies.