The computational model of the brain, which views the mind as an input-output processor, has long influenced AI development. However, neuroscientist Paul Cisek from the University of Montreal argues that brains are better understood as feedback-control systems that evolved over millions of years to help organisms navigate their environments.
This feedback-control perspective suggests that humans act to adjust sensory input rather than performing complex internal calculations. This model aligns with the biological evolution of the nervous system, where new behaviors emerged to address environmental challenges, such as the development of the hippocampus for navigation and episodic memory.
The AI industry currently promotes tools that may undermine human cognitive development. OpenAI VP of education Leah Belsky stated in July 2025 that learners comprise over half of ChatGPT’s 900 million average monthly users. Additionally, Anthropic recently launched a Claude for Teachers initiative, offering educators free access to premium models.
Critics argue that these technologies function as cognitive automation, potentially supplanting the effortful thinking required for durable knowledge. A recent study from China indicated that thousands of students have significantly reduced their engagement with homework due to the use of AI tools.
