Is focusing entirely on first principles the way to go in the age of AI?

A developer is questioning whether focusing entirely on first principles, core logic, math foundations, and understanding why things work structurally is the best approach in the age of AI. They suggest that AI can handle the "How" of coding, such as memorizing syntax and simply learning to code. This approach prioritizes a deeper understanding over rote memorization of coding specifics, prompting a discussion on its efficacy.