The Unique Advantages and Potential of "Being Education" in the AI Era

Author : Z. George Hong

Abstract : As Artificial Intelligence (AI) evolves from a tool to a foundational force in 2026, higher education faces an ontological crisis. This paper argues that the traditional university focus on "Knowing" and "Doing" is no longer sufficient, as these domains are increasingly commodified by algorithms. Drawing on the Catholic Jesuit tradition of Cura Personalis and the Asian philosophical concept of "Unity of Knowledge, Action, and Being," the author proposes a fundamental paradigm shift toward "Being Education." This framework emphasizes five core human dimensions that AI cannot replicate: the inquiry into meaning, moral judgment, the exercise of freedom, the safeguarding of humanity, and the persistence of justice. By analyzing current crises in student mental health and "career anxiety," the paper demonstrates how the technical alienation of the digital age necessitates a return to character-centered education. The study concludes that the future competitiveness of universities lies in their ability to foster "Five-Capability" talents— individuals defined by their judgment, values, empathy, sense of purpose, and leadership—thereby transforming the AI challenge into a renaissance for the humanities

Keywords : artificial intelligence, higher education, being education, character development, human-centered learning, educational philosophy, and humanities education.

Conference Name : International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Multicultural Contexts (ICTLMC-26)

Conference Place : Mexico City, Mexico

Conference Date : 3rd Jun 2026