Critical Thinking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Between the Alienation of Reason and the Possibility of a New Synthesis

This article explores the philosophical implications of the rapid penetration of artificial intelligence (AI) into all spheres of human life and the associated challenges to human consciousness. The novelty of the study lies in the application of the “metacritic” methodology to the analysis of the interaction between the human mind and AI, as well as in the rethinking of the classical dialectic of alienation and synthesis in relation to technological reality. Central to the study is the preservation and development of critical thinking as a fundamental human capacity, which has become threatened by technological transformation. The methodology of the work is based on a synthesis of historical and philosophical analysis and a phenomenological approach, which allows us to identify the transformation of the structures of consciousness in the context of digitalization. The author conducts a detailed historical and philosophical analysis, drawing on the intellectual legacy of E. Husserl, I. Kant, J. Dewey, as well as modern authors O.F. Ivashchuk, M.A. Rhee, K. Malabou, to explore the nature of reason and its interaction with new technologies. The key thesis of the article is that the modern era, which can be described as “post-critical,” requires a rethinking of traditional philosophical concepts in the context of digital reality. Particular attention is paid to the dialectic of alienation and synthesis: on the one hand, AI objectifies the human mind, posing a threat to its autonomy, while on the other, it reveals unique capacities of consciousness that are beyond the reach of machines. The article emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to building interactions with technology, where critical thinking becomes not just an academic skill but a prerequisite for preserving human identity. The article concludes with a paradoxical conclusion: the development of AI does not negate, but rather enhances, the value of humanistic practices and critical reflection, which alone can ensure the humanistic nature of technological progress. The relevance of this research lies in the need for a philosophical understanding of the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to human identity in the context of the rapid digital transformation of society.