How Critical Thinking Empowers the Next Generation in the Age of AI

What if the future of our society rests in the hands of children learning to think critically today?

That's the question I pondered last year while delivering presentations about AI. Although I had heard about Primary Ethics before, this question and the follow-up rhetorical reflection, "What are you going to do about it, Sinéad?" gave me the drive to become an Ethics Teacher.

Over the course of this year, I have had the absolute privilege of teaching ethics to an engaged and fun group of Year 5 ethics students. These young minds—9 to 11 years old—opt for ethics over scripture, and what I witness in their discussions is nothing short of remarkable. Their curiosity, resilience, and willingness to grapple with ethical dilemmas give me hope—not just for their futures but for the future of our world. In their questions and reflections, I see the seeds of a generation ready to navigate an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI). Watching these students explore complex issues reminds me of an essential truth: we are equipping them with perhaps some of the most necessary skills for the future—skills in ethical reasoning, critical thinking and collaborative inquiry.

Critical Thinking: The Compass for the AI Era

“How do we ensure our children are equipped to navigate a world dominated by AI?”

As AI reshapes industries and lifestyles, critical thinking emerges as a non-negotiable skill. AI can analyse data, recognise patterns, and even mimic creativity, but it cannot replace human abilities to question, interpret, and decide based on values. For today’s young people, the overwhelming flood of information—often a blend of truth and distortion—makes critical evaluation essential.

Primary Ethics is a not-for-profit organisation offering secular ethics education as an alternative to scripture classes in primary schools. The curriculum is crafted by a team of philosophers, educators, and experts, ensuring lessons are age-appropriate, engaging, and relevant. Aligned with The Ethics Centre, Primary Ethics offers a robust program that equips young minds with the tools to navigate moral and social challenges, fostering a generation of empathetic, informed, and ethical decision-makers who can contribute meaningfully to society.

Lessons That Inspire

Over the year, our lessons explored themes such as A Fair Society, where students tackled the question, "Do societies have a responsibility to ensure everyone has access to education and healthcare?” This led to debates about the challenges of addressing inequality and whether luck—good or bad—should influence social responsibilities.

In Appeal to Authority, students examined when it’s appropriate to accept advice or rules from authority figures, such as teachers or doctors, and when it’s okay to challenge them. This lesson was instrumental in developing discernment and confidence, helping young thinkers navigate a world where blind trust can sometimes lead to misinformation or manipulation.

Discussions on Extending Human Rights to Animals asked whether rights traditionally reserved for humans, such as the right to free speech or education, should be extended to animals like chimpanzees. Students were encouraged to reflect on what it means to have rights and whether ethical considerations should transcend species boundaries.

Other lessons, like Beliefs, Opinions, Tolerance, and Respect, prompted students to consider whether all beliefs deserve respect and tolerance—especially when those beliefs may cause harm. Meanwhile, the topic of Teasing dove into understanding when, if ever, teasing is acceptable and how it can impact relationships and emotional well-being.

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like chatbots, search engines, and personalised recommendations become ever-present in students’ lives, it’s important for them to reflect on how they engage with such technologies. I was delighted to teach a new topic called Interacting with AI. Some big questions students discussed in this topic include: How is AI different from and similar to human intelligence? Is it okay to use artificial intelligence to help with schoolwork? Can we be friends with a chatbot? Is it wrong to be cruel to artificial intelligence? Can we trust the information provided by artificial intelligence?

The most profound moments in my ethics classes have often come from the students themselves. During our AI-focused lesson, a discussion emerged around AI-generated art. A student asked, “If AI can create art, is it really ‘stealing,’ or are we redefining creativity in a new way?” which sparked a spirited debate. Several students argued that human intent makes art meaningful, while others proposed that art’s value lies in the audience’s experience, not its creator.

This wasn’t just a theoretical exercise but a testament to the power of critical thinking. The students weren’t just finding answers—they were learning to ask the kind of questions that lead to deeper understanding. Across all lessons, students are encouraged to question assumptions, evaluate arguments, and consider the broader implications of their ideas.

A Small Role, A Big Impact

I genuinely enjoy playing my small role in helping our children become ethical decision-makers. Watching them learn to think critically, give evidence-based reasons for their opinions, and have attentive discussions—even in respectful disagreement has been deeply rewarding. These skills will serve them for a lifetime, enabling them to navigate and shape an ethical, equitable, and thoughtful society.

These young thinkers show us that tomorrow's potential lies in curiosity and empathy. They recognise that technology, including AI, is neither inherently good nor bad—how we use it determines its impact.

The World Economic Forum and LinkedIn’s recent analysis of the skills most in demand for future talent notably emphasise that critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for the modern workforce. This aligns perfectly with what we’re cultivating through these lessons, which are more than classroom exercises—they are opportunities for students to develop the tools needed for thoughtful and engaged citizenship in a rapidly changing world.

By nurturing these capabilities today, we are cultivating a generation that will thrive in the AI age and steer it toward a more inclusive and ethical future. Imagine a world where our leaders, innovators, and creators are as conscientious as they are competent—a world shaped by those who ask not just "What can we do?" but "What should we do?"

Let us prioritise critical thinking in education, recognising its role in creating a brighter tomorrow. By empowering young minds to ask big questions, engage in thoughtful discussions, and tackle ethical dilemmas, we prepare them to navigate—and redefine—the complexities of our world.

The future is not just bright—it is inspiring, dynamic, and waiting to be shaped by a generation of thinkers ready to lead.

In time, not very much time at all, it will be the decisions of the children we teach today that will shape the world - Dr Simon Longstaff, The Ethics Centre and Primary Ethics Board

Sources:

1. Primary Ethics. (n.d.). Curriculum Overview. (https://primaryethics.com.au/curriculum).

2. World Economic Forum. (2020). The Future of Jobs Report 2020. (https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2020).

3. LinkedIn. (n.d.). The Most In-Demand Hard and Soft Skills for 2023. (https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-strategy/linkedin-most-in-demand-hard-and-soft-skills).

4. Volunteer as an Ethics Teacher https://primaryethics.com.au/volunteer/

Primary Ethics

The Ethics Centre