Vol. 2 No. 1 (2027): AI Literacy, Workforce Learning, and Human–AI Futures
Articles

Piety, Love, and Wisdom in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Reframing the Foundations of Adult Education

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  • John Henschke
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46787/ijaipil.v2i1.7294

Published 2026-05-08

Keywords

  • AI pedagogy; adult education; critical thinking; AI literacy; ethical reasoning; human-centered learning

How to Cite

Henschke, J. (2026). Piety, Love, and Wisdom in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Reframing the Foundations of Adult Education. International Journal of AI in Pedagogy, Innovation, and Learning Futures, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.46787/ijaipil.v2i1.7294

Copyright (c) 2026 John A. Henschke

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping knowledge production and learning environments, particularly in adult education. However, much of the current discourse on AI in education remains predominantly technical, focusing on efficiency, automation, and performance, while neglecting deeper epistemological and moral considerations. This paper addresses this gap by reframing adult education through a human-centered lens grounded in the enduring principles of piety, love, and wisdom. Drawing on andragogical theory and theological-philosophical foundations, it argues that while AI can enhance learning through increased access, personalization, and augmentation, it cannot replace the relational, ethical, and meaning-making dimensions central to adult learning. The paper advances a conceptual framework for human-centered AI pedagogy that emphasizes reflective practice, dialogic engagement, and moral discernment. Its primary contribution is a reorientation of AI in education toward human flourishing, asserting that the future of adult education depends not on technological advancement alone, but on preserving the capacities that make learning deeply human.

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