Campania launches Cicerone Oggi educational project on AI and ethics

The “Cicerone Oggi” educational project has officially launched in all lower and upper secondary schools across the Campania region of Italy. The initiative aims to bridge the ethical challenges of the digital age and Artificial Intelligence with classical thought.

Inspired by the book “Cicero in Foro” by Bartolomeo Sciannimanica and published by Giannini Editore, the program supports school leaders and teachers in meeting recent ministerial directives. These directives require Italian schools to update their Three-Year Educational Offer Plans (PTOF) to prioritize ethical literacy, digital security, transparency in AI usage, and the development of critical thinking.

Rather than traditional reviews, the project engages students through writing contests and debates. Students can argue themes such as democracy, law, and citizenship, or participate in the “Ciceronian Challenge” by proposing a new fundamental ethical term for their generation. Under teacher supervision, students are encouraged to use AI tools to transform technology from a mere shortcut into an object of critical analysis. The best works will be included in a future reprint of the book.