The lecture addressed the impact of artificial intelligence in creating a cognitive and methodological transformation in the writing of history, where it is no longer viewed merely as a technical tool, but as a factor reshaping the nature of historical knowledge production. It explained that the shift from traditional manual reading methods to digital approaches based on big data analysis, OCR, and natural language processing has enabled historians to examine vast volumes of documents and extract patterns and temporal transformations.
The lecture also emphasized that while AI is capable of quantitative analysis and detection, it cannot replace the historian’s role in interpretation, contextual understanding, and narrative construction.
It further explored practical applications in the history of Qatar, particularly in studying the emergence of the state and the economic transition from a pearl-based economy to an oil-based state, while highlighting challenges such as algorithmic bias and data dominance.
The lecture concluded by stressing the importance of integrating human knowledge with technology to support historical research and strengthen national identity in the digital age.
