Discussing AI Ethics through a Transcendentalist Lens: Inspire Students to be Informed and Empowered Citizens

In the present era, AI ethics become an important area of study as artificial intelligence becomes an integral part of our lives, extending throughout various aspects of society. AI, a branch of computer science, refers to the development of systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, natural language processing, and pattern recognition. From virtual assistants to recommendation algorithms, AI has the potential to revolutionize how we interact, learn, and create.

Engaging students in discussions about AI within the framework of Transcendentalism offers numerous benefits. By analyzing AI ethics and implications, students develop critical thinking and analysis skills, honing their ability to evaluate the impact of technology on our lives. Exploring AI-related topics also allows us to bridge the gap between Transcendentalist ideals and contemporary issues, empowering students to become informed citizens of the digital age.

AI and Transcendentalism

If you already teach Transcendentalism or can find a natural place for it in your curriculum, a discussion of AI can add to relevancy and real-world applications. An essential question of this unit for an American literature course could be: “Have we strayed from the foundational American ideals of Transcendentalism or are we still in line with these thinkers?

Integrating discussions about AI within the realm of Transcendentalism yields interesting connections and opportunities for exploration. Transcendentalist principles encourage individuals to embrace their unique identities, rely on their own inner wisdom, and find solace and inspiration in nature. As we navigate the world of AI, we can contemplate how these concepts intersect with our interactions with AI technologies and algorithms. We can question whether AI enhances or hinders our ability to express individuality, foster self-reliance, and maintain a profound connection with the natural world.

Exploring Individuality in the Context of AI

When we think about Transcendentalist principles, which encourage individuals to embrace their unique identities and resist conformity, the impact of AI-driven personalization algorithms on these ideals becomes important. The algorithms, by tailoring content and recommendations to our preferences, can inadvertently create filter bubbles or echo chambers, limiting our exposure to diverse perspectives, challenging ideas, and alternative viewpoints. This narrows our digital experiences and can potentially stifle individuality, as it becomes easier to remain within our comfort zones and avoid encountering content that challenges or expands our thinking.

AI-driven personalization algorithms can reinforce existing biases and stereotypes by basing recommendations on past behaviors and preferences. This can lead to a feedback loop, where individuals are continually presented with content that aligns with their existing beliefs and interests, without being exposed to alternative perspectives. In this way, personalization algorithms can inadvertently contribute to the reinforcement of echo chambers and hinder the development of a well-rounded and informed individual.

Additionally, the personalization of online experiences through AI algorithms can influence self-expression. As individuals are presented with content that aligns with their known preferences, there is a risk of self-expression being confined within predetermined boundaries. The potential for serendipitous encounters, exploration of new ideas, and the development of unique perspectives may be diminished in an environment heavily shaped by personalization algorithms. This can pose challenges to the Transcendentalist ideals of self-expression and the discovery of one’s own truth, as the algorithmic tailoring may limit the exposure to diverse and unconventional viewpoints that can contribute to personal growth and self-discovery.

To navigate the potential implications of AI-driven personalization algorithms on individuality and self-expression, it is essential for individuals to be aware of the algorithms’ influence and actively seek out diverse perspectives. Engaging in critical thinking, consciously seeking out content outside of personalized recommendations, and actively participating in communities that foster open dialogue can help individuals resist the potential negative effects of personalization algorithms.

Educating students about the functioning of AI algorithms and their impact on personalization can also empower them to make informed decisions about their online experiences. By understanding how algorithms work and the potential biases they may introduce, individuals can be more discerning consumers of information, actively seeking out different viewpoints and questioning the algorithmically generated content. 

This prompting could be done intentionally by English teachers. After reading excerpts of Emerson’s essay “Nature,” teachers could lead students to reflect on the results of their own social media feed and to critically evaluate what viewpoints and bias they may be receiving from the algorithm and make action plans to help them enlarge and perhaps challenge their perspectives. Students could also be challenged to consider whether their feeds and their practices around them encourage conformity or self-reliance.

Incorporating Transcendentalist principles into discussions about AI-driven personalization algorithms can encourage students to reflect on the balance between convenience and individuality, the importance of actively seeking diverse perspectives, and the need to resist conformity. By structuring opportunities for critical reflection and fostering an awareness of the potential limitations of personalization algorithms, individuals can strive to maintain their unique identities, embrace a diverse range of viewpoints, and ensure that their online experiences remain conducive to personal growth, self-expression, and the pursuit of truth.

AI and Ethical Considerations

AI-powered tools can assist individuals in exploring their interests, discovering new content, or recommending learning resources based on their preferences. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, as well as MOOC platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy can be used for personal learning. Companies use AI to connect users with content with a goal of giving them the best content to fit a user’s needs, keeping them on their platform. These AI applications can enhance or hinder the process of self-discovery and introspection, as they can introduce bias to the information users are given. Transcendentalists believed the ideal source of inspiration is nature itself. While AI tools can help us to attain the ideal of seeking personal truth and wisdom, it is done at the cost of our connection to nature.

AI technologies and algorithms can either enhance or hinder individuality, self-reliance, and the connection with the natural world. It is important for people to maintain their connection with their inner self to use these tools as ways to improve and not let technology control them. 

Strategies for Incorporating AI Discussions in Transcendentalism Instruction

To infuse AI discussions into our Transcendentalism instruction, we can employ various strategies. This can be achieved through debates, case studies, and collaborative projects that encourage students to explore the ethics of AI.

Discussions

Thought-provoking prompts and activities can initiate engaging conversations about AI’s influence on individuality, self-reliance, and the natural world. Exploring AI-generated literature and artworks enables students to critically analyze and interpret these creations through a Transcendentalist lens. Additionally, incorporating discussions on the ethics of AI and its impact on society prompts students to reflect on the intersection of technology and human values. 

Here is a set of questions teachers can use with students to guide discussion around ethics of AI:

1. How do we ensure transparency and accountability in AI algorithms? Should companies or developers be responsible for disclosing the inner workings of AI systems?
2. How can AI impact employment and job opportunities? What are the ethical considerations of automation and AI replacing human workers?
3. How do AI algorithms learn and make decisions? What ethical challenges arise when AI systems have the potential to learn from biased data or reinforce existing prejudices?
4. Should there be limits on the use of AI in certain fields, such as healthcare, finance, or criminal justice? What are the potential risks and ethical considerations in these domains?
5. How can AI impact personal agency and autonomy? Should individuals have the right to know when they are interacting with AI systems rather than humans? Why or why not?
6. How can we address the digital divide and ensure equitable access to AI technologies? What are the ethical considerations of AI exacerbating existing inequalities?

Projects

Students can collaborate on a whole-class project, designing AI-driven social justice campaigns that align with Transcendentalist principles. They can explore how AI can be utilized to address social inequalities, promote inclusivity, or raise awareness about important issues. Students can create multimedia presentations, websites, or social media campaigns that showcase their proposed AI-powered initiatives and emphasize the ethical considerations and human values associated with these projects. 

Research and Identify Social Justice Issues: Encourage students to research and identify social justice issues that resonate with them and align with Transcendentalist principles. They can explore areas such as racial justice, gender equality, environmental sustainability, accessibility, or any other pressing societal concerns. This initial research will help students understand the complexity of the issues and identify opportunities where AI can make a positive impact.

Brainstorm AI Solutions: Facilitate brainstorming sessions where students can generate ideas for AI-powered solutions to address the identified social justice issues. Encourage creative thinking and exploration of different AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, or data analytics. Students can consider how these technologies can be leveraged to promote inclusivity, empower marginalized communities, or drive systemic change.

Develop Campaign Concepts: Once students have identified social justice issues and potential AI solutions, they can start developing campaign concepts. Encourage them to think holistically about their campaigns, considering the target audience, messaging, and desired impact. Students can articulate their campaign goals, whether it’s raising awareness, mobilizing action, or fostering dialogue. They should also incorporate Transcendentalist principles, emphasizing the importance of individuality, self-reliance, and the connection with the natural world in their campaign concepts.

Design Multimedia Presentations or Websites: Students can create multimedia presentations or websites to showcase their proposed AI-powered initiatives. These presentations or websites can include visually engaging content, such as infographics, videos, or interactive elements, to effectively communicate their campaign messages. Students should highlight the ethical considerations and human values associated with their projects, explaining how their initiatives align with responsible AI ethics, Transcendentalist principles, and promote social justice.

Social Media Campaigns: Encourage students to leverage social media platforms to amplify their campaign messages. They can create social media campaigns that utilize AI-powered tools, such as sentiment analysis or natural language processing, to gauge public opinion, engage with the audience, or disseminate information. Students should pay attention to AI ethics and its responsible use in their social media campaigns, ensuring transparency and promoting inclusivity.

Reflect and Iterate: Throughout the process, provide opportunities for students to reflect on their campaign ideas, iterate on their concepts, and receive feedback from peers and instructors. Encourage critical thinking and self-reflection, prompting students to consider the potential implications and unintended consequences of their proposed AI-driven social justice campaigns. Emphasize the importance of ethical decision-making, responsible data use, and the alignment with Transcendentalist values in their campaign designs.

By expanding on these suggestions, students can not only develop their understanding of AI’s potential for promoting social justice but also engage in meaningful collaborations that emphasize ethical considerations and human values. This approach allows students to apply their knowledge of Transcendentalism and AI to real-world problems, fostering empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to effect positive change in society.

Case Study Research

Case studies can be used as a way to highlight ethical considerations in AI development and implementation. They can examine real-world scenarios where AI intersects with social justice issues or poses ethical dilemmas. Students can discuss the implications of these cases from a Transcendentalist perspective, considering the impact on human values, justice, and the balance between technology and nature.

Here are some examples of case studies that students can investigate to explore AI ethics:

1. Facial Recognition Technology: Students can examine the use of facial recognition technology in various contexts, such as surveillance, law enforcement, and commercial applications. They can delve into the ethical concerns related to privacy, surveillance, and potential biases or inaccuracies in facial recognition algorithms. The case study can involve analyzing real-world instances where facial recognition technology has been implemented and discussing the ethical implications from a Transcendentalist perspective.
2. Algorithmic Bias in Hiring and Recruitment: Students can research and analyze cases where AI algorithms have been used in the hiring and recruitment process. They can explore how algorithms may perpetuate biases based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics. Students can discuss the ethical implications of relying on AI algorithms for decision-making and reflect on how these biases align with Transcendentalist principles of equality and fairness.
3. Autonomous Vehicles and Ethical Dilemmas: What actions should AI powered autonomous vehicles take when in life-threatening situations? Students can examine case studies that highlight these ethical considerations and explore the potential conflicts between preserving human life and property. They can analyze different approaches to programming ethical decision-making in autonomous vehicles and reflect on the implications of these choices through a lens of Transcendental ethics.
4. Content Moderation and Online Speech: Students can investigate the challenges of content moderation in online platforms and social media. They can explore case studies that involve AI algorithms used for detecting and removing inappropriate or harmful content. Students can discuss the ethical considerations related to freedom of speech, censorship, and the balance between protecting users and preserving open discourse and connect to the philosophies surrounding free speech and censorship of early Transcendental thinkers.
5. Predictive Policing: Students can investigate how algorithms analyze data to identify areas or individuals at higher risk of criminal activity. They can explore how such practices raise concerns about bias, privacy, and the potential infringement on civil liberties. Students can examine specific case studies where predictive policing algorithms have been employed and critically evaluate their impact through the lens of Transcendentalist values.

These case studies provide students with real-world examples that highlight the ethical challenges and implications of AI technologies. By analyzing these cases, students can develop a deeper understanding of the potential consequences of AI and engage in thoughtful discussions about the intersection of technology and Transcendentalist principles.

Creative Writing 

Students can collaborate on a project where they explore Transcendentalist principles and leverage AI language models to generate nature-themed poems. They can input Transcendentalist texts or descriptions of nature into the AI model and use the generated output as inspiration to create their own poetic compositions. This project combines the exploration of AI capabilities with the expression of Transcendentalist ideals through creative writing.

To expand on this assignment, teachers could have students analyze the original, the generated poem, and their original work to consider the commonalities and differences, as well as the inspiration they took from each as they created their own poem.

The Importance of Human Ingenuity

While AI technologies offer incredible capabilities, it is important to emphasize the distinct qualities that make us human. As the technology behind ChatGPT improves, the conversation about the future role of humans in creative enterprises evolves with it. Creators (copywriters, marketers, content creators, etc.) believe that as AI takes on some of the roles that humans have done for millenia, jobs will shift to emphasize the pieces of creative work that separate AI from humanity – the parts that are most human. What makes us human, including storytelling and sharing experience will be at a premium. As such, our work should continue to focus students on those aspects of our curriculum. 

What’s the difference between interacting with an AI-powered virtual assistant or chatbot and a human? Does knowing that someone is interacting with a chatbot change the communication dynamic? As interactions with AI and chatbots increase, there is a potential consequence of reducing empathy for people. Teachers can make space for students to have conversations about the importance of genuine human connections in the digital age. 

As AI continues to evolve, English teachers should emphasize the importance of human creativity, emotional intelligence, and moral decision-making. A strategy is to encourage students to explore how these uniquely human traits intersect with Transcendentalist values and the potential implications of AI on their development. By cultivating these skills, students can harness the power of AI while preserving and nurturing their own individuality and authenticity.

A strategy teachers can use to continue to have these conversations throughout the year is using literature as a springboard for discussing contemporary, real-world issues. Doing so will allow students to loop back to these conversations and continue to deepen their understanding of what makes us human and what we need to protect as technology evolves.

Conclusion:

By intertwining discussions about AI with the teachings of Transcendentalism, we unlock new dimensions of inquiry, reflection, and critical thinking for our students. Integrating AI into Transcendentalism instruction allows us to explore the implications, benefits, and challenges of technology while staying true to the core principles of Transcendentalism. By nurturing students’ understanding of both realms, we equip them with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape of AI while fostering individuality, self-reliance, and a profound connection with the world around them. Together, let us embark on this transformative educational journey, where Transcendentalism and AI converge to shape the minds of the future.

A natural next step after a unit looking at AI and individuality and self-reliance could be a unit exploring conformity and its consequences with an anchor text of Fahrenheit 451 or a smaller unit using the film The Quiz Show. 

What Do English Teachers Do About Chat GPT?

ChatGPT and other natural language processors available to the general public allow for people to use a chat interface to access AI generation. As a result, students now have at their fingertips powerful tools that can be used positively, but can also be used as unethical shortcuts to their education journey. I’ve developed a guide to help English teachers think through and clarify their attitude and approach to student use of AI in their respective classrooms.