Seminar: Gen AI and Transformation in Political Science

Gen AI and Transformation in Political Science: Research Data, Knowledge Production and Power Restructure

Date: 1300-1400, February 10, 2026

Venue: Department of Political Economy, National Sun Yat-sen University

Seminar Summary

The Taiwanese Political Science Association jointly organized the seminar with the Department of Political Economy at National Sun Yat-sen University. Moderated by Professor Chun-chieh Wang, the chair of the department, the seminar provided a platform for approximately 20 participants—including the TPSA Board of Directors, scholars, and students—to discuss how Gen AI has influenced education and research. The discussion opened with common problems regarding students' use of Gen AI, such as identifying the accuracy of generated content, the citation of non-existent literature, and an over-reliance on AI to complete assignments or theses. These challenges appear not only in coursework but also in academic advising and graduation requirements. Despite rapid technological developments that have improved data accuracy and reduced false citations, Gen AI still falls short of the logical deliberation and nuanced discourse expected of rigorous scholars.

Gen AI has transformed certain methodologies in political science research, including reducing the costs of interviews while simultaneously raising concerns regarding data manipulation and reverse engineering. Nonetheless, it is the manner in which tasks are completed that has shifted, rather than the determination of which tasks should be done. Gen AI may have caused a paradigm shift in education, leading teachers to adapt their strategies in response to these new challenges. Some faculty have mastered several Large Language Models (LLMs) to help students learn more efficiently while teaching them the ethical boundaries of AI usage. Others have altered their course requirements, moving away from traditional assignments toward alternative grading methods to prevent an over-dependency on AI-generated content.

Ultimately, the discussion on the transforming role of teachers centered on the relationship between humans and AI. Morality remains vital to political science and the social sciences; this is where the "human halo" lies. Although interaction between humans and AI is increasing, human emotions remain irreplaceable by AI anthropomorphism. For students, traditional teaching methods can spark interests that inspire autonomous learning, whether through a teacher or AI. The seminar concluded by emphasizing the irreplaceable value of the human element in education. While students today can hardly imagine conducting research without AI, political scientists are now looking back on their own academic journeys to determine which legacies should be passed to future generations. In comparing humans and AI, the human advantage still lies in the sparks of philosophical thinking, interpersonal interaction, and real-time deliberation.

In light of the significant challenges this issue has presented to the political science academia, the TPSA is holding a series of seminars across the country. Summaries of these meetings will be updated on our website for your reference. Please stay tuned.