It is quite uncommon for high schools to provide philosophy courses. And that’s unfortunate, remarked WashU’s Allan Hazlett, a philosophy professor in Arts & Sciences, because adolescents tend to be intrinsic philosophers.

“It’s the grown-ups who are rigid and unyielding,” Hazlett noted. “Younger individuals are generally more imaginative, more open to new ideas, and more inclined to have their beliefs challenged. That’s the perfect environment for a philosophy class.”

A couple of years ago, Hazlett launched the Summer Philosophy Academy, a complimentary one-week program for high school learners interested in philosophy — no familiarity with Aristotle or Kant necessary. Through lectures, dialogues, and excursions with WashU philosophy faculty and students, attendees examine pressing ethical and philosophical dilemmas related to political divisions, artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and other modern subjects.

“There are no assignments, no credits, and no grades,” Hazlett emphasized. “Just come and be prepared to engage.”

The academy is part of Washington University in St. Louis’ Civil Society Initiative, which aims to foster responsible democratic engagement. Supported by the Frick Initiative, it also encompasses classes, guest lectures, and community events.

On this occasion, the students engage in a debate over whether images created by AI can truly be considered art. To provoke thought, instructor Parker Robinson displays a variety of images and challenges the students to distinguish between AI-generated images and those created by humans. The activity proves to be more difficult than it appears. The students confuse an AI representation of a Paris street for an Impressionist artwork and mistakenly believe that a 16th-century painting of a wounded Christ was generated by AI.

“But it looks so poorly done. The muscle structure seems off,” one student protests.

So if AI art appears authentic while real art seems artificial, what truly defines art? posed Robinson, who graduated in May with degrees in philosophy and physics from Arts & Sciences.

“We’ve been examining the aesthetic quality of these visuals. Is what we observe pleasing to our senses? Are we undergoing an aesthetic experience?” Robinson explained. “But is there more to art than just the experience during observation? What about the creator’s intent? The context? The artistic process?”

Later that day, Robinson will guide the students to the Kemper Art Museum and share insights from influential thinkers like Aristotle and Robin George Collingwood regarding art. Hazlett will also facilitate a discussion on the role of art. He asks the students, what attributes confer value to art? Is it its rarity? Its historical ties to an individual or practice? The effort put into creating the piece?

Angie Collins, a rising senior at University City High School, reflects on her insights and finds herself uncertain about AI art.

“Initially, I believed that anything not found in nature could be considered art, but my views have been put to the test,” Collins shared. “I’m still pondering it.”

Collins is part of the University City High School philosophy club, which was established with the assistance of WashU undergraduates four years ago. This marks her second year attending the Summer Philosophy Academy. She appreciates the focus on topics that resonate with her and her contemporaries.

“Misinformation, social media, AI — these technological challenges are not mere abstract concepts. They are extremely pertinent and issues that each of us has personal encounters with,” Collins stated.

Robinson noted that the academy’s curriculum is purposefully designed to be enlightening and inclusive. Last year, students visited the Saint Louis Zoo for discussions on animal intelligence; this year, they explored the Museum of Illusion to investigate the metaphysics of perceptions. Students have also deliberated on the political philosophy surrounding the removal of monuments, the ethical dilemmas posed by self-driving vehicles, and employing logic in civil discourse.

“We are all philosophers,” Robinson asserted. “Philosophy doesn’t have to be this detached, scholarly pursuit. It’s something we engage in continuously.”

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