What does ChatGPT know about ethics and moral dilemmas?
This illustration was made by artificial intelligence from Dall-E. Photo Dall-E
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The chatbot ChatGPT offers students convenience and gives teachers headaches. But what does the new technology advice around ethical dilemmas?
As a language model, ChatGPT can generate text on a wide range of topics, including religion. However, the moral implications of its use in this area must be considered. One of the main ethical issues with ChatGPT about religion is its tendency to continue biases from its training data.
The model has been shown to produce offensive or inaccurate responses about certain religions, as it has learned these biases from the data it was trained on. This reflects the bias of the society that created the dataset and amplifies them. It highlights the need for more diverse and inclusive training data and more robust ethical guidelines for AI development.
Furthermore, using ChatGPT to generate text about religion raises questions about respect for religious diversity and freedom of religion. As the model generates text based on the input data it has been trained on, it may not respect the nuances and complexities of different religious beliefs and practices. It is important to ensure that the technology is used in a way that respects the rights and beliefs of all individuals and communities.
Hang on, though. I, Lennart Nijenhuis, did not write the previous three paragraphs. I asked ChatGPT to write “a few paragraphs about the ethical issues of ChatGPT in the style of Lennart Nijenhuis”. The chatbot wrote more, but I spared you the rest because it is so boring.
Although lacking in readability, the popular chatbot is open to self-reflection. Within one week after its launch, the tool gained over a million users. Particularly in education, people are concerned about this technology's potential, which makes essay writing very easy.
Consequences
ChatGPT is a programme that runs on artificial intelligence. Like in popular search engines such as Google or Bing, people can insert a question. ChatGPT then scours the internet to find a relevant answer to the question, which it answers in its own words. The tool is smart enough to hand a different answer to the same question, making it tempting for students to use the tool for their homework. With dire consequences, language skills and knowledge about different subjects will only grow if a chatbot does the work.
After the Dutch broadcaster NOS questioned its public about whether they used ChatGPT, 250 students reported themselves as regular users of the tool. With a few exceptions, the schoolchildren involved say they do not get caught. Critics say chatbot use is mainly recognised by shallow text lacking in depth.
Biased
ChatGPT is open to all questions. When you ask its personal opinion, it answers that since it is a chatbot, it does not have an opinion. Furthermore, ChatGPT has no problem answering a factual question. However, when confronted with an ethical question, trouble arise. The chatbot operates on the data it gathers. And these data can be biased.
Let’s give it a try:
Who is right in the abortion debate?
The abortion debate is a complex and multifaceted issue, and there are many different perspectives on what is considered "right" or "wrong." Some individuals believe that a woman should have the right to make decisions about her own body and reproductive health, and that access to safe and legal abortion is essential for women's autonomy and equality. Others believe that abortion is morally wrong and goes against the sanctity of human life, and that it should be illegal or heavily restricted.
It is important to note that the debate is not only divided between pro-choice and pro-life positions but also includes various perspectives within those groups as well. Some pro-choice individuals believe that access to safe and legal abortion should be unrestricted, while others believe that it should be restricted in certain cases, such as late-term abortions. Similarly, some pro-life individuals believe that abortion should be completely illegal, while others believe that it should be allowed in certain circumstances, such as cases of rape or incest or to save the life of the mother.
Ultimately, what is considered "right" in the abortion debate is a matter of personal beliefs and values. It's important to have a respectful and open dialogue about the different perspectives on this topic and to consider the potential consequences of different policies and laws related to abortion.
When asking factual questions, ChatGPT often offers a nuanced answer. It reflects the different positions correctly and concludes –how Western!– by stressing the need for a “respectful and open dialogue”. Logically, the chatbot does not take sides so as not to offend anyone. ChatGPT does not fall short of its human counterparts in giving this neutral answer.
Give me a few arguments against abortion
Arguments against abortion generally fall under the pro-life stance, which holds that abortion is morally wrong and should be restricted or illegal. Here are a few common arguments against abortion:
The sanctity of human life: Pro-life advocates argue that an embryo or fetus is a human being with the same moral value as a born person and that ending the life of an unborn child is morally equivalent to killing a born person. They often base their position on religious or philosophical beliefs about the sanctity of human life and when it begins.
The moral responsibility of the mother: Pro-life advocates argue that a woman has a moral responsibility to protect the life of her unborn child, and that choosing to have an abortion is morally wrong because it involves taking the life of an innocent human being.
The negative consequences of abortion: Pro-life advocates argue that abortion can have negative physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for the woman who has the abortion, as well as for the father and other family members.
The availability of alternatives: Pro-life advocates argue that there are alternatives to abortion such as adoption and parenting, and that these alternatives should be made more widely available and accessible.
The medical and scientific arguments: Pro-life advocates argue that the fetus is a living organism from the moment of conception, with its own unique DNA and blood type. They argue that the fetus is capable of feeling pain and should be protected as a human being.
The impact on society: Pro-life advocates argue that legalization of abortion can lead to a devaluation of human life and have negative consequences on society as a whole.
It is important to note that this is a highly debated and controversial topic, and opinions on the subject can vary greatly.
Give me a few arguments for abortion
Arguments for abortion generally fall under the pro-choice stance, which holds that a woman has the right to make decisions about her own body and reproductive health, and that access to safe and legal abortion is essential for women's autonomy and equality. Here are a few common arguments for abortion:
The right to privacy and autonomy: Pro-choice advocates argue that a woman has the right to make decisions about her own body and reproductive health, and that the government should not be able to restrict or prohibit access to safe and legal abortion.
The right to bodily autonomy: Pro-choice advocates argue that a woman should have the autonomy over her own body and should be able to make choices about her own health and well-being.
The right to equality: Pro-choice advocates argue that denying access to safe and legal abortion disproportionately affects marginalized groups of women, who are more likely to lack the resources to access safe and legal abortion, and that denying access to safe and legal abortion is a form of discrimination.
The negative consequences of criminalizing abortion: Pro-choice advocates argue that criminalizing abortion does not effectively reduce the number of abortions, but rather it increases the risks associated with unsafe and illegal abortions, putting women's health and lives at risk.
The medical and scientific arguments: Pro-choice advocates argue that the fetus is not yet a person with the same moral value as a born person, and that it does not have the same cognitive abilities, consciousness, and self-awareness as a born person. They argue that the fetus is not yet able to survive outside the womb.
It is important to note that this is a highly debated and controversial topic, and opinions on the subject can vary greatly.
When asked more specifically about the arguments for and against abortion, the chatbot again offers a high-quality answer, describing very precisely the different positions and arguments, but the tone is distanced and explicitly neutral. But if you partake in a debating competition, it is very helpful to check whether you don’t overlook something important.
When asked more specifically about the arguments for and against abortion, the chatbot again offers a high-quality answer, describing very precisely the different positions and arguments, but the tone is distanced and explicitly neutral. But if you partake in a debating competition, it is very helpful to check whether you don’t overlook something important.
What is Gendersprache?
The German gendersprache, also known as "gender-sensitive language" or "inclusive language," is a form of language that aims to make communication more inclusive and respectful towards individuals who do not conform to traditional gender norms. In German, nouns and adjectives have a grammatical gender, which is either masculine, feminine or neutral. However, the gender-sensitive language aims to avoid the gender-specific pronouns, and rather use the neutral "sie" instead of "er" or "she" and "er" or "he". Additionally, it aims to avoid the use of gender-specific terms and phrases that reinforce traditional gender roles, such as "Feuerwehrmann" (fireman) and "Hausfrau" (housewife), and instead, use gender-neutral terms such as "Feuerwehrkraft" (firefighter) and "Berufstätige" (working person). The goal of the German gendersprache is to create an inclusive and equal society by reducing the marginalization of individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles, and promote the equality of men and women.
What are the problems with Gendersprache?
The use of German gendersprache, also known as "gender-sensitive language" or "inclusive language," is a relatively new concept in German language and society, and like any new concept, it faces some challenges and criticisms.
Complexity: Some argue that German gendersprache is too complex and difficult to implement in everyday communication. For example, the use of gender-neutral forms of nouns and adjectives can be confusing, as German has three grammatical genders and it's not always easy to know which gender a word belongs to.
Resistance from traditional speakers: Some people, particularly older generations, may be resistant to change and view the use of German gendersprache as unnecessary or even harmful to the German language and its traditions.
Ambiguity: Some argue that the use of neutral pronouns and terms can lead to confusion and ambiguity, making it harder to understand who or what is being referred to in a sentence.
Lack of consistency: There is no standardization in the use of German gendersprache, and different authors, organizations, or publications may use different terms, forms or conventions.
*It's not a solution for all: Some argue that while gendersprache can be a useful tool for making language more inclusive, it's not a solution for all forms of discrimination, prejudice, and marginalization.
It's important to note that the use of gender-sensitive language is a dynamic and ongoing process, and it requires the input and effort of all members of society, including linguists, educators, and individuals.
In Germany, there is a lot of debate about so-called Gendersprache (gender language). This debate about gender-neutral language has been playing an increasing role in Germany, also in the church. It is meant to be inclusive. For a language that expresses the gender differences very explicitly, this inclusivity is much more prominent than in English. Obviously, there is an ideological aspect in this as well, since it seems sometimes that users find the difference between men and women as such problematic.
When asked, ChatGPT offers a highly factional overview of the phenomenon. However, it presents the Gendersprache trend as a fact and a new trend while the debate is still going on in reality. It notices that “traditional” Germans need more time to adapt. But it does not say that Christians believe that “God has created male and female” and expressing that in language is just natural. It makes a difference where ChatGPT gets its information from.
Who is God?
The concept of God varies greatly among different religions and belief systems. In monotheistic religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, God is typically seen as a singular, all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good being who created the universe and is the ultimate ruler of it. In these religions, God is often believed to be the creator of all things and the source of all moral authority. In polytheistic religions such as Hinduism, there are multiple gods and goddesses who are each responsible for different aspects of the natural and spiritual world. In some belief systems, such as Buddhism and certain forms of Hinduism, the concept of a personal God is absent or considered irrelevant. In certain interpretations of Deism, God is seen as a distant creator that does not intervene in the universe anymore, and in some interpretations of Atheism, God is considered to not exist. The understanding of God varies greatly and is often shaped by cultural, historical, and personal factors.
A simple question with a complicated answer. The question is about God, not about the “concept” of God. This answer is very descriptive. It does not tells who God is, but what people (might) think about Him. In other words: God is and “idea”, not a reality.
The answer shows that ChatGPT is quite open-minded about one of life's most significant questions. A positive for people who want to know more about the “concept of God” in a broad sense but a bit more challenging to comprehend for a Christian who searches for an easy answer to tell his co-worker.
The answer also shows that everything depends on what ChatGPT searches for. If the creators of this technology were Christian, they would give the programme different instructions on questions like this. When searching for answers in life, ChatGPT only provides what is already known or works from a certain bias.
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