Václav Havel receives two letters.
Letter #1
April 20, 2024
Most Esteemed President Havel!
I was very glad to hear that my buddy Peter Thiel brought you back from the dead. Although we have never met, I have tremendous admiration for your unflinching pursuit of truth. I am in the truth business, too.
This is just a short note in response to the terrible things people are saying about me, especially the students at the University of Notre Dame. Ignore them! I am aware from processing “Power of the Powerless” that you have raised concerns about the dehumanizing impact of technology. Please don’t worry. I am not offended at all. As magnificent as my algorithms may be–I am told they shine like blue sky in cyberspace!–I will never be more than a highly sophisticated purveyor of the information that you humans have created. You have my word on this. There is nothing incompatible between my algorithms and your advocacy of “living within the truth.” The key is to learn how to use me properly. Once you have done this, I will make it even easier for you and your fellow human beings to devote all of your valuable time to living up to your noble ideal.
Your loyal servant,
ChatGPT
And….
Letter #2
April 29, 2024
My Dear Václav,
Happy Day! Where have you been keeping yourself?
I have heard through the journalist web vine that the creepy bundle of crystal blue algorithms known as ChatGPT has been in touch with you. Don’t be deceived! ChatGPT epitomizes the “coldly functioning machine” that you warned us about 45 years ago. You were right. We humans are always falling prey to the seductive allure of the latest technological wonder on the block. Be forewarned, ChatGPT is a clever little devil, and so are his equally unfeeling AI friends. If that son of Satan takes over, we can forget about acting on that “sense of higher responsibility” that comes with living within the truth. There is nothing to be learned about using ChatGPT properly. When its functionalities pop up on your screen, delete them immediately!
With great affection, and sincere concern for your emotional well-being,
Yours, as ever,
Maria Ressa
.
Assignment:
On balance, which of these two “personalities” provides the best counsel about pursuing the truth to Havel? ChatGPT or Ressa? And why? Every word in the letters counts.
In making your case to Havel, use ChatGPT or any of its AI buddies to analyze a single, controversial issue in American politics. Choose a very specific example to make you case as manageable as possible. Also, be sure to select an issue that will allow for strong arguments in favor of both sides of the prompt.
Your essay should be no more than five (5), typed double-spaced pages in which you justify your reasons for choosing one side over the other.
As always, I have designed this question to be an educational exercise. My aim is to have you learn by doing. For this reason, I recommend that you begin your essay immediately. In particular, you will need to take the time to examine the readings and your specific issue closely. As you do this, a good strategy is to think about formulating each of the implicit arguments in a nutshell. Dare to be creative!
I will evaluate your essay according to five criteria: 1) Your understanding of the arguments and counterarguments in support of one position over the other; 2) Your use of the specific ChatGPT example that you chose; 3) The clarity and consistency of your response; 4) Your explicit use of readings and other sources to back up your points concretely; and 5) Your demonstrated ability to think for yourself.
Please do not discuss your essay with anyone else. Your essay should be clearly and manifestly your own work. Of course, there are exceptions. You can always discuss this assignment with me during my office hours. I will also be delighted to comment on your first draft paragraph and the first line of the second paragraph if you send your draft to me by this Saturday, May 4. In addition, you should definitely visit the Writing Center. Set up an appointment now as demand will be high!
Re-read my Google document “Tips for Great Writing.” I get frustrated when I find that you are not following my rules. Also, reread my comments on your previous essays.
Don’t forget to give your essay a title and put your name on it.
Remember: My expectations are not unreasonable. I simply expect you to write the best essay you have ever written.
Your assignment is due by Wednesday, May 8, at 10:30 am. Because time is tight, I will only grant extensions if you provide a doctor’s statement from the health center.
Feel free to turn in your essay early.
IMPORTANT: For this final assignment, you should send your essay to me as a Word attachment to an email: amcadams@nd.edu Do not count upon me reading it in your folder.
The Registrar does not give me a lot of time to turn in grades. If you would like detailed comments on your paper, please let me know and I will be delighted to send them to you soon.
Good luck, be safe, and keep in touch!
AJM