> Cheating is widespread because there are people in those courses who aren't interested in the material

I think academic cheating is partially due to Goodhart's Law. In other words, grades have become the target, and are no longer a good assessment of understanding. An easy way to get rid of cheating would be to get rid of grades. However, grades are too ingrained in our system for them to be removed any time soon.

I am not saying that assessments and evaluations should be completely eradicated. I just think assessments should be more holistic. By that, I mean that assessing a student's ability should be more contingent on personalized evaluations, a pass/fail system, and should involve more apprenticeships/mentoring opportunities with those more experienced. Much like in the times of yore.