AI-Augmented Inquiry and Regulation in Hybrid Systems: A Control Allocation Architecture for Preserving Epistemic Agency in Hybrid Human-AI Cognition

The increasing integration of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) into critical epistemic processes, including hypothesis generation and decision-making, presents a complex challenge. While genAI systems can enhance performance, there is growing evidence of a 'metacognitive dilemma' where reliance on external AI capabilities may lead to a decline in human internal monitoring, calibration, and cognitive engagement. This shift in cognitive control within human-AI systems goes beyond simple automation bias. The proposed AIRIS framework aims to analyze this dilemma and identify areas for regulatory intervention to mitigate these effects.

This development highlights a critical challenge in the effective and ethical integration of advanced AI: ensuring human cognitive agency is preserved rather than eroded. Organizations must strategically address how AI augments, rather than diminishes, human intellectual capabilities to maintain robust decision-making and innovation processes. Understanding this dilemma is crucial for designing future human-AI systems and policies that foster collaborative intelligence.

Generative AI (genAI) is becoming fundamental to epistemic processes such as hypothesis generation, explanation construction, and decision-making.

Forward consideration, not a verified fact.