Staying Human in the Age of AI. With Peter Davidson

I'm joined by Peter Davidson from Zayed University to discuss the 2023 article by David Brooks: In the Age of AI, Major in Being Human, which claims: "AI will force us humans to double down on those talents and skills that only humans possess. The most important thing about Al may be that it shows us what it can't do, and so reveals who we are and what we have to offer."

What might these ‘human’ skills and attributes be that we will need in the age of AI? In this podcast we will try to identify these human skills and attributes (what might be termed ‘capacities’) that have become more essential to us as humans, as AI becomes embedded in teaching and learning, and in the workplace. It is these human capacities, Peter argues, that will become increasingly important for our us and our students as the impact of AI grows.

See the full list of Essential Human Skills.

Guest bio

Peter Davidson teaches Business Communication and Technical Communication at Zayed University in Dubai, having previously taught in New Zealand, Japan, the UK, and Turkey. He is currently interested in exploring how Generative AI is impacting language teaching and assessment practices, and how it can be leveraged to improve the educational experiences of students.

Peter is presenting at the upcoming BALEAP PIM at Leeds on June 19th.

Further Reading

The framing of autonomy, mastery and purpose that's referred to in the discussion was popularised by Daniel Pink in his 2012 book Drive: the surprising truth about what motivates us. This draws on the work of Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, and Self-Determination Theory.

Anderson, D.J., Rainie, L, & Anderson, J. (2026). Human Wisdom for the Age of AI: A Field Guide to Cultivating Essential Skills. Elon University and AAC&U.

Anderson, J. & Rainie, L. (2025). Being Human in 2035: How Are We Changing in the Age of AI? Imagining the Digital Future Center.

Gerlich, M. A. (2025). AI Tools in Society: Impacts on Cognitive Offloading and the Future of Critical Thinking. Societies, 15(1), 6.

Holmes, W., Bialik, M., & Fadel, C. (2019). Artificial Intelligence in Education: Promises and Implications for Teaching and Learning. Boston: Center for Curriculum Redesign. https://curriculumredesign.org/wp-content/uploads/AIED-Book-Excerpt-CCR.pdf

Pink, D. H. (2012). Drive: the surprising truth about what motivates us. Edinburgh: Canongate.

Postman, N., & Weingartner, C. (1969). Teaching as a Subversive Activity. New York: Delacorte Press.

Raman, A. (2024). Investing in Human Skills in the Age of AI. LinkedinLearning, California, USA.

Ryan, R and Deci, E. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation,

Social Development, and Well-Being. American Psychological Association. 55 (1). Available at: DOI: 10.1037110003-066X.55.1.68