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When AI Acts Like an Oracle, Where Does College Fit?

October 27, 2026 · 59 min

Show notes

Modern AI systems follow a logic of prediction to deliver their answers. Sociologist Mona Sloane sees a cultural precedent for ascribing so much power to a predictive system — the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece. 

Works mentioned in this episode:

“Predicted: How AI Is Restructuring Social Life,” by Mona Sloane.

“How Colleges Can Safeguard Democracy in an AI Era,” a past episode of Learning Curve.

“Gaseous Emissions at Oracle of Delphi Entranced the Pythia,” in Scientific American.

“The Law of Prediction,” by Ari Ezra Waldman, in SSRN.

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Studiosity.

EPISODE CREDITS: 

Reported and produced by Jeff Young

Music by Komiku

©Copyright 2026 Learning Curve Productions LLC

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