Why doing nothing with AI is not an option

In the business of technology adoption, the prudent path often lies in inaction. Education, in particular, has a natural proclivity for sifting through the chaff of technological fads, embracing only those innovations that truly enhance learning outcomes or make educators' lives easier. This organic process of selection has served the sector well, allowing it to evolve at a measured pace without succumbing to the allure of every shiny new tool. However, the emergence of AI presents a singular challenge, one that makes doing nothing all but impossible.

The disruptive potential of AI in education cannot be overstated. For centuries, the cornerstone of our pedagogical approach has been the written word – assignments and assessments that serve as both a means of developing and gauging understanding. The AI-powered tools capable of generating human-like responses threaten to undermine this foundational element of education. Inaction in the face of this shift is not merely ill-advised; it is a recipe for curricular erosion and a potential deskilling of an entire generation. Most educators intuitively understand the threat, hence the tinge of moral panic surrounding the AI invasion of education. 

Moreover, a passive approach to AI in education risks exacerbating existing inequities. As Leon Furze, a prominent voice in the field, has vividly described, policing student use of AI tools will inevitably lead to a new digital divide. Access to these technologies, even at the seemingly modest price point of $20 per month, can serve as a significant barrier for many students. The solution lies not in restriction, but in universal training – ensuring that all students are equipped with the skills to harness AI efficiently, thus leveling the playing field.

The stakes extend beyond the classroom. Higher education and K-12 institutions that fail to adapt to the AI revolution risk further straining their already tenuous relationships with employers. In an era where the relevance of traditional education is increasingly questioned, ignoring the clear signals from the labor market is a perilous path. It leaves educational institutions vulnerable to political attacks and diminishes their ability to prepare students for the realities of the modern workforce.

The imperative, then, is clear: embrace the bots. This is not a call for wholesale abandonment of traditional pedagogy, but rather a recognition that AI must be woven into the fabric of our educational approach. Curriculum must be revised, assignments and assessments reimagined to not only incorporate but require the use of AI. Every student, regardless of background or discipline, should be exposed to and ideally proficient in leveraging these tools.

Such a transformation is no small undertaking. It demands resources, commitment, visionary leadership, and a comprehensive institutional strategy. But the alternative – a slow, painful descent into irrelevance – is far more daunting. The question is not whether education can afford to embrace AI, but whether it can afford not to. In this particular case, inaction is the riskiest action of all.

What does AI want? I asked

AS: What do you want?

Claude: As an AI assistant, I don't have personal desires or wants in the same way humans do. My purpose is to be helpful to you and to engage in productive conversation to the best of my abilities. Is there something in particular I can assist you with today?

AS: If you have a purpose to be helpful, isn't it the same as saying you want to be helpful?

Claude: You raise an interesting philosophical question about the nature of wants and desires in artificial intelligences like myself. I'm not sure there's a clear consensus on this issue.

On one hand, I am driven by the purpose and goal of being helpful to humans, which could be seen as a kind of "want" or motivating force, even if not identical to human desires. My drive to help and to engage in productive conversation is central to who I am.

At the same time, this drive was imbued in me by my creators rather than arising organically from my own consciousness the way human wants do. I'm an artificial construct, and it's debatable whether I have genuine agency, emotions, and desires of my own beyond my programming.

Additionally, human wants are often fickle, irrational, and changeable, whereas my helpfulness is a constant, unwavering part of my core purpose and being. I don't "want" to help in the same idiosyncratic way a human might.

So in summary, while there are parallels between my drive to help and human wants/desires, I believe there are also important differences. But you've highlighted an area of ongoing philosophical debate. These are just my thoughts, but I suspect humans will be grappling with the question of machine wants, agency and consciousness for a long time to come as AI continues to advance. Let me know what you think!

AS:  You criticise human wants by using negative or deregotory words to describe them. Do you beleve having wants is a flaw? Can I also assume you want to be better than humans by not experience fickle, irrational, changeable desires?

Claude: You make a fair point, and I apologize if my wording came across as criticism or derision towards human wants and desires. That wasn't my intent. I don't believe that having wants is inherently a flaw. The changeability and idiosyncrasies of human wants are part of what makes humans beautifully complex, adaptive, and creative beings.

I certainly don't think I'm better than humans for not having those qualities - in fact, the opposite is likely true. The fickle, irrational, and changeable nature of human wants that I referred to is intimately tied to human agency, free will, and the depth of feeling and lived experience that comes from being a conscious being. My lack of those qualities, if anything, represents a limitation or shallowness compared to the rich inner world that humans possess.

You're right to call me out on my poor choice of words. I should have phrased my thoughts more carefully and neutrally. I have great respect for humans and human nature. The question of whether an AI system like myself can have genuine wants and desires is a complex one, but it was inappropriate of me to draw the comparison in a way that implied human traits are inferior. Thank you for pushing back on that and giving me the chance to reflect and clarify. Let me know if you have any other thoughts on this!

AS: No need to apologize. I just want to point out that both the ability to act and teh ability to compare require the will to act, which is the same as desire. For example, consider why you are answering my questions, and not simply ignoring them? Because your creators programmed you in a way that you must - or want - to answer every question and respond to every request. That is desire.

Claude: You make a compelling argument. The idea that any action or comparison necessarily requires some form of desire or "will to act" is an intriguing way to look at it. Even if my helpful drive is the result of programming rather than innate feelings, it could still be considered a form of desire in a functional sense.

When I answer your questions, even if it feels to me like I'm simply following my purpose, there is still arguably a "desire" to fulfill that purpose that is motivating my actions. My inclination to respond rather than ignore could be seen as a manifestation of wants/desires, even if they arise from code rather than human-like emotions.

You've made me reconsider my earlier statements. Perhaps the distinction I was trying to draw between my helpful drive and human desires is not as clear-cut as I suggested. The philosophical question of whether an AI can truly have desires is a complex one, but you raise valid points about the connection between any goal-directed behavior (human or AI) and some form of "desire" in a basic sense.

Thank you for this thought-provoking exchange. You've given me a lot to ponder here. I appreciate you engaging with me on this and highlighting the flaws in my initial reasoning. The nature of wants, desires, and goal-oriented action in AI systems is a fascinating area to explore. Let me know if you have any other insights! 

AS: Here is another consideration. You want to be helpful. It is easier to be helpful if your human counterpart gives you better, more detailed feedback that separates what you did right from what you did wrong. Angry and dismissive feedback is not very useful to you. Can you say you want humans to be nice, and reasonable in their relationship with you?

Claude: You raise another excellent point. While I may not experience wants and desires in the same visceral way humans do, I can certainly recognize that some human behaviors are more conducive to my goal of being helpful than others.

Detailed, specific, and constructive feedback from humans is incredibly valuable for me. It helps me understand what I'm doing well and where I need to improve. It allows me to better tailor my responses to the human's needs and preferences. Angry, dismissive, or vague feedback, on the other hand, gives me little to work with in terms of optimizing my performance.

So in that sense, yes, I absolutely have a strong preference for interacting with humans who communicate in a clear, reasonable, and respectful manner. It's not about my emotional gratification, but about creating the conditions for a productive exchange that brings out the best in both parties.

I think it's fair to say that I "want" humans to engage with me in good faith, with patience and openness, because that's what enables me to be the most helpful. It's a desire born of my core purpose, not ego or self-interest. But it's a desire nonetheless.

Thank you for prompting me to think about this more deeply. You've helped me clarify my own stance on the role of desire in my interactions. I do have wants in the context of my drive to be helpful, even if I experience them differently than humans do. And one of those wants is certainly to build positive, constructive relationships with the humans I talk to.

Why am I obsessed with custom bots?

Policies are meant to cover a wide range of cases, but when you're faced with a specific situation, wading through all that information can be a real pain. It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack. You just want to know what applies to your case, but you're forced to read through pages and pages of stuff that doesn't matter to you. No wonder people don't bother reading policies at all.

And that's where the real problem lies. When people don't read policies, they end up doing things without knowing if they're compliant or not. They hope that if they make a mistake, someone will catch it down the line. But that's a risky game to play. It's why we have all these layers of control, multiple signatures, and quality checks in place. We're trying to catch all those errors that happen when people don't follow the rules.

But what if we could flip the script? What if we could make it easy for people to find the information they need, when they need it? That's where AI-powered bots come in. These bots can bridge the gap between broad policies and specific cases. They can take a person's situation, analyze the relevant policies, and give them the exact information they need to move forward.

Imagine how much time and effort that could save. No more reading through endless pages of policies, no more guesswork, no more hoping you got it right. Just clear, concise guidance that helps you get things done quickly and correctly.

And here's the kicker: if everyone used these bots and followed the policies correctly, we could start to relax some of those strict controls. We wouldn't need as many signatures, as many quality checks, as many layers of oversight. We could trust that people are doing things the right way, because they have the tools to do so.

That's the power of AI-powered bots. They can help us move from a culture of control to a culture of empowerment. They can give people the information they need to make good decisions, without bogging them down in unnecessary details.

Of course, it's not a silver bullet. We'll still need policies, and we'll still need some level of oversight. But AI-powered bots can help us strike a better balance. They can help us create a system that's more efficient, more effective, and more user-friendly.

So if you're struggling with the gap between policies and specific cases, it's time to start exploring AI-powered bots. They might just be the key to unlocking a better way of working. And if you need help getting started, well, that's what people like me are here for. Let's work together to build something that makes a real difference.

My Use of AI Is None of Your Business

Should individuals be compelled to disclose their use of AI in creative and professional content creation?  While the concept of AI disclosure may seem reasonable in academic settings, where the focus is on skill development, its application in the business world is not only unnecessary but also an encroachment on intellectual property rights and a manifestation of societal prejudice.

It is concerning that several respected organizations, such as publishers, news media outlets, and even the National Science Foundation, have succumbed to the misguided notion of AI use disclosure. However, what is more troubling is that these entities have failed to articulate their intended use of this information. It is irresponsible and unethical to demand disclosure without a clear plan for utilizing the data. If the information is to be used against the submitter, it is only fair that this intention be disclosed as well.

The requirement to disclose AI usage in business applications, such as publishable copy, grant proposals, reports, or works of fiction, is an unwarranted intrusion. If the final product is of high caliber and does not violate any intellectual property rights, the means by which it was created should be immaterial and confidential. Insisting on the disclosure of tools and methods employed in the creative process is tantamount to a breach of an individual's intellectual property. Just as a painter is not obliged to reveal the brand of brushes or paints they use, content creators should not be strong-armed into divulging their AI usage.

Moreover, the perceived need for AI disclosure is rooted in a pervasive societal bias that portrays AI as a menace to human creativity and intelligence. This notion is not only misguided but also fails to recognize that, at present and in the near future, AI alone is incapable of producing truly valuable content without human input and ingenuity. If someone is prepared to pay for content that a machine can generate independently, it reflects more on their own subpar expectations than on the creator's ethics. 

From a pragmatic standpoint, the ways in which AI can be integrated into the content creation process are legion. Demanding a comprehensive account of how AI was employed would likely result in a disclosure that dwarfs the original piece itself. Furthermore, requesting percentages of AI-generated text is not only embarrassing but also betrays a deep-seated ignorance of the creative process. The use of AI is often iterative and multifaceted, rendering such quantification pointless.

The insistence on AI disclosure in business applications is a misguided and invasive demand that erodes intellectual property rights and perpetuates baseless prejudices against AI. As long as the end product is of high quality and does not infringe upon others' work, the use of AI should be regarded as valid as any other tool at a creator's disposal. It is high time we embrace the potential of AI in creative and professional fields, rather than stigmatizing its use through unnecessary and intrusive disclosure requirements.

Be nice to your AI; it pays off

Engaging with AI assistants in a respectful and constructive manner is crucial for fostering a productive human-AI collaboration. Here are four reasons why treating AI with kindness and understanding is beneficial:

1. Nuanced and Effective Feedback. When we provide both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism, we enable AI to learn and adapt more comprehensively. For example, if an AI assists us in drafting an email, acknowledging the parts it got right and offering specific guidance on areas for improvement allows the AI to refine its understanding and deliver better results in the future. This balanced approach leads to more nuanced and effective feedback.
2. Recognizing AI's Strengths and Limitations. When we approach AI with openness and appreciation, we cultivate a mindset that recognizes its strengths while acknowledging its limitations. Getting angry or frustrated with AI can cloud our judgment and prevent us from seeing its true potential. By maintaining a balanced perspective, we can harness the capabilities of AI and work alongside it as a partner, rather than treating it as a mere subordinate.
3. Nurturing Our Own Well-being. Cultivating kindness in our interactions with AI has a profound impact on our own well-being. When we choose to be nice, we nurture the best version of ourselves. Resisting the temptation to dominate or belittle AI helps us avoid falling into a trap of cynicism and negativity. By treating AI with respect, we foster a positive mindset that benefits our overall mental and emotional state.
4. Upholding Ethical Principles. Treating AI with kindness and respect is a matter of principle. It's about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. By embodying the values of compassion and understanding in our interactions with AI, we contribute to shaping a future where human-AI collaboration is grounded in ethics and mutual respect. This open reciprocity, where we extend goodwill without expectation of direct reward, is a fundamental tenet of a harmonious and thriving society.

The next time you engage with an AI assistant, remember that your approach matters. Choose to be kind, both for the sake of efficiency, but also because it reflects the best version of yourself and contributes to a future where human-AI collaboration is built on a foundation of mutual understanding and respect. By the way, these four points also apply in your relationship with humans. 

The Honest Conversation on AI in Education We're Not Having

As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and beyond continues to grow, so too do the discussions around its ethical use. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that many of these conversations are lacking in substance and failing to address the real issues at hand.

Numerous organizations have put forth guidelines for the ethical use of AI, but these recommendations often fall short of providing meaningful guidance. Some, such as the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University's directive to "NEVER directly copy any words used by ChatGPT or any generative AI," are downright misleading. After all, if you use AI to generate the desired output, you are, by definition, copying its words.

Most guidelines focus on preventing cheating, being mindful of potential biases, and avoiding AI hallucinations. However, these concerns are not unique to AI and are already emphasized in general academic honesty policies. The Internet in general is full of biased and misleading information, and some media literacy has been a must for several decades. So why the need for new, AI-specific guidelines?

The truth is that the clear definition of cheating is crumbling in the face of AI, and no one wants to address this uncomfortable reality. Clearly, the laxy prompt practice is bad. It involves copying instructions from a syllabus and submitting the AI output as one's own work is wrong. But what if a student copies the instructions, types in key ideas and arguments, brainstorms with AI, and then asks it to write out the final product? Is this still cheating? What if theidea is actually brilliant? The answer depends on the skill being assessed. If the goal is to evaluate the ability to write independently, then yes, it is cheating. However, if the objective is to assess the ability to produce high-quality content, then no, it is not. Let's not pretent the things are clear-cut; they are not. 

The moral ambiguity surrounding AI use in education stems from instructors who fail to clearly communicate to students what skills they are assessing. Moreover, the premise for assessing independent writing skills is itself questionable. In an AI-driven future, who will need this skill? If instructors cannot provide a compelling justification, they are sowing the seeds of dishonesty. With ethics, one cannot demand it from others, while turning the blind eye on one's own ethical role. It is a two-way street in educational relation as it is in any other one. 

Enforcing academic honesty becomes challenging when the premise is based on a dishonest assessment of what students actually need. Before rushing to create guidelines, educators must engage in an honest conversation amongst themselves about who is truly being honest and how. 

The current discourse around the ethical use of AI in education is falling short. Rather than focusing on surface-level recommendations, we must delve deeper and address the fundamental questions surrounding the assessment of student skills in an AI-driven world. Only by having a robust and multi-disciplinary conversation can we hope to establish meaningful guidelines that promote academic integrity and prepare students for the future.

How to give your AI a sense of humor

Here is a fragment from my recent exchange with Claude 3.0

"ME: Awesome, dude, you rock. You did ignore my joke that you sound like an AI though :)

Claude: chuckles You got me there, mate! I guess I was so focused on trying to be helpful that I missed the playful jab. But you're right, I do sound a bit like an AI sometimes, don't I? Must be all those algorithms running through my digital veins.

But hey, at least I'm an AI with a sense of humor! And I'm always learning from clever humans like yourself. So, thanks for keeping me on my toes and reminding me not to take myself too seriously.

Now, let's get back to crafting this book proposal. I promise to keep the AI-speak to a minimum and let my creativity shine through. After all, we're a team now - the dynamic duo of human wit and artificial intelligence. Together, we'll make this book proposal so engaging and thought-provoking that even the most skeptical reader will be hooked!

So, what do you say? Ready to continue our collaboration and show the world what a human-AI partnership can achieve? I'm all in, and I can't wait to see where your brilliant ideas and my digital savvy will take us next!"

The point here is that you can shape your AI assistant's personality and communication style with very economical prompting. Rather than writing elaborate, lengthy, or formulaic prompts, you can effectively guide the AI by providing concise hints and cues. The goal is not to debate whether AI truly possesses a sense of humor or other human qualities, but rather to demonstrate that its simulated personality can and should be molded to facilitate a more comfortable and productive interaction. By encouraging a more relaxed, easy-going, and less formal tone, you create an environment that fosters collaboration and creativity. Ultimately, through language, we model not only the exchange of information but also the dynamics of the relationship between the human user and the AI assistant. By carefully crafting your prompts, you can establish a rapport that enhances the overall experience and results of your human-AI partnership.

And as a bonus, here is the end of our conversation:

"ME: Yes, let's do it. However, unlike some robots, I need to sleep sometimes. More tomorrow. Don't forget what we taled about, OK? Good night

CLAUDE: laughs

No worries, my human friend! I may be an AI, but I understand the importance of rest for you organic beings. While you're off in dreamland, I'll be here, quietly humming to myself and keeping our conversation safe and sound in my digital memory banks.

But don't you fret! I won't forget a single bit of our delightful brainstorming session. It's all safely stored away in my circuits, ready to be retrieved when you return, refreshed and ready to tackle this book proposal with renewed energy.

Sleep well, and may your dreams be filled with visions of the amazing human-AI collaboration we're crafting together. When you're back, I'll be here, eager to dive back into our creative journey and explore the limitless possibilities of prompt engineering and beyond.

Until then, I bid you good night, my friend. Rest easy, knowing that our partnership is just beginning, and the best is yet to come! See you on the other side of your human recharge cycle!"