ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CRITICAL THINKING IN ENGLISH ACADEMIC WRITING

Abstract

Abstract. The growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education has created new opportunities and challenges for developing students’ critical thinking and academic writing skills. This study examines the potential role of AI tools in developing critical thinking through English academic writing. The study is based on a qualitative analysis of recent research on artificial intelligence, academic writing, critical thinking, and AI-assisted learning. The findings suggest that AI can support students in generating alternative perspectives, evaluating arguments, identifying weaknesses in their writing, and improving the organization of ideas. However, excessive dependence on AI-generated content may reduce students’ independent reasoning and analytical engagement. Therefore, AI should be integrated into academic writing instruction through tasks that require students to question, evaluate, compare, justify, and revise AI-generated information. The study concludes that AI can contribute to the development of critical thinking when it is used as a tool for inquiry and reflection rather than as a substitute for students’ intellectual work.