Deconstructing AI with thinking tools. Epistemology and Ontology — An Experiment April 28, 2023
This is a simple experiment with two prompts, using some powerful constructs that are part of human intellect. Prompts are created with the full knowledge that epistemology and ontology are well represented in the GPT4 LLM. There are only two prompts. I used a triple role pattern to structure the answer, along with recommending some bodies of science to keep things logical. Based on my inspection, and expertise, there’s nothing incorrect in the statements that have been made by the AI.
Rob Tyrie Prompt 1: Act as an epistemologist and ontologist ... Use systems thinking and after generating any text use a helper agent that is a modern philosopher and Humanist.
Rob Tyrie Prompt 2: Rewrite what you just generated, Add some creative flare and a unifying metaphor. Added a discussion of the levels of thinking required to consider these complex topics.
What follows is the generated result. Good enough for a post graduate seminar course about AI to start a round table discussion to cover human philosophy and the emergence of powerful, imatative conversational AI.
ChaptGPT Plus “In the vast ocean of human understanding, epistemology and ontology sail as controllers on the vessel of AI-Human partnership, navigating the waves of knowledge and existence. It is a knowledge seeking ship. Just as the currents of the sea intermingle, so do these two philosophical domains intertwine and align, particularly when exploring the enigmatic realm of artificial intelligence (AI).
Epistemology, as the seasoned captain of the knowledge-seeking ship, ponders the nature of the cargo AI brings aboard. It questions whether the riches AI acquires from data-driven depths can be deemed genuine knowledge, or if they are merely fool's gold, glinting with statistical correlations. Ontology, on the other hand, steers the vessel of existence, grappling with the boundaries between the shores of human and machine reality.
A modern philosopher humanist standing at the helm of the ship, might propose that AI’s riches, while striking and valuable, lack the true essence of knowledge. They will debate. Knowledge, they argue, is a lustrous gem refined by the fires of human experience, reflection, and judgment, not simply the output of an algorithmic forge by a cold, lifeless machine.
Navigating the enigmatic waters of AI’s ontological implications, the humanist philosophers contend that AI, no matter how sophisticated, remains anchored to its human origins. The AI vessel, though impressive, is devoid of the intrinsic qualities that define our humanity: the subjective experience, the emotional tides, and the compass of free will. Consequently, AI cannot claim consciousness or personhood as its own.
To chart a course through these philosophical waters, one must climb the mast of systems thinking, taking in the vast expanse of interconnected ideas. From this elevated vantage point, we can perceive the intricate dance of AI, epistemology, and ontology. Recognizing the levels of thinking required to make sense of these complex topics is like ascending a lighthouse, illuminating the obscured depths and guiding our inquiry.
In conclusion, as we navigate the ocean of understanding, the ships of epistemology and ontology provide essential guidance. By harnessing the winds of systems thinking and incorporating modern philosophical and humanist insights, we can better chart our course through the enigmatic seas of AI. This interdisciplinary voyage not only helps us unravel the mysteries of AI's impact on knowledge and existence but also emphasizes the indispensable role of human intellect and reflection in our pursuit of truth and understanding.
In the vast ocean of human understanding, epistemology and ontology sail as two essential vessels, navigating the waves of knowledge and existence.
Just as the currents of the sea intermingle, so do these two philosophical domains intertwine, particularly when exploring the enigmatic realm of artificial intelligence (AI).
Epistemology, as the seasoned captain of the knowledge-seeking ship, ponders the nature of the cargo AI brings aboard. It questions whether the riches AI acquires from data-driven depths can be deemed genuine knowledge, or if they are merely fool's gold, glinting with statistical correlations. Ontology, on the other hand, steers the vessel of existence, grappling with the boundaries between the shores of human and machine reality.
A modern philosopher and humanist, standing at the helm of both ships, might propose that AI's riches, while striking and valuable, lack the true essence of knowledge. Knowledge, they argue, is a lustrous gem refined by the fires of human experience, reflection, and judgment, not simply the output of an algorithmic forge.
Navigating the enigmatic waters of AI's ontological implications, the humanist philosopher contends that AI, no matter how sophisticated, remains anchored to its human origins. The AI vessel, though impressive, is devoid of the intrinsic qualities that define our humanity: the subjective experience, the emotional tides, and the compass of free will. Consequently, AI cannot claim consciousness or personhood as its own.
To chart a course through these philosophical waters, one must climb the mast of systems thinking, taking in the vast expanse of interconnected ideas. From this elevated vantage point, we can perceive the intricate dance of AI, epistemology, and ontology. Recognizing the levels of thinking required to make sense of these complex topics is like ascending a lighthouse, illuminating the obscured depths and guiding our inquiry.
In conclusion, as we navigate the ocean of understanding, the ships of epistemology and ontology provide essential guidance. By harnessing the winds of systems thinking and incorporating modern philosophical and humanist insights, we can better chart our course through the enigmatic seas of AI. This interdisciplinary voyage not only helps us unravel the mysteries of AI’s impact on knowledge and existence but also emphasizes the indispensable role of human intellect and reflection in our pursuit of truth and understanding"
Some Sensemaking Questions for discussion
- Can AI exist without Humans?
- Can we keep classifying AI systems as machines and tools?
- What defines humans uniquely that separates us from other animals and imitative machines?
- What will happen when GAI is used in Humanoid Robots?
- What will be the first second and third order impacts of anthropomorphism that will occur?
- How can this human behavior be limited?
- How can Epistemology and Ontology be used to better understand the implications of ubiquitous and broad use of GAI?
- What other disciplines should be gathered to consider these human challenges?
- Put on your black hat. What obvious regulations are needed right now to change the trajectory of AI deployment in the world?
- How should humans be compensated for changes in productivity and work because of new AI capabilities?
Bibliography & further reading
- Life 3.0, Max Tegmark
- Super Intelligence , Nick Bostrom
- The Great Thinkers, The School of Life (Alain De Botton)
- What to Expect When You are Expecting Robots, Laura Major
