AI Enhanced Reasoning: Augmenting Human Critical Thinking with AI Systems

Abstract

The pursuit of knowledge and understanding has been a driving force for humanity since the beginning of time. This relentless quest for reason has shaped the world as we know it, enabling us to unlock secrets of the cosmos, develop innovative technologies, and address complex global challenges. However, despite our cognitive leaps, we still grapple with the limitations of our rationality, biases, and emotions, especially in today's increasingly complex and information-saturated world. As AI systems become more entwined with our daily lives and institutions, there is a growing need to design and deploy AI systems that augment human reasoning, foster critical thinking, and promote well-informed decision-making.

This thesis investigates the potential for AI-enhanced reasoning systems and their impact on human decision-making. Specifically, it explores three distinct aspects of critical thinking with AI systems: (1) the development of AI logic-checking systems designed to help identify reasoning flaws, (2) examining the susceptibility of individuals to deceptive AI-generated explanations, and (3) assessing the potential of a novel AI-framed questioning interaction method to provoke critical thinking through a series of human subjects experiments.

These investigations aim to shed light on the implications of AI systems on human reasoning and provide insights into designing AI interventions that meaningfully enhance our cognitive abilities. The findings demonstrate the potential for intelligently designed AI systems to support human reasoning, while also highlighting the potential risks associated with overreliance on these tools. By addressing these challenges, this thesis contributes to the ongoing conversation around the development of AI systems that advance our reasoning, and steps towards cultivating a discerning and rational citizenry capable of navigating the complexities of the modern world.