Embracing AI with a Critical Mind

While I use AI through GPT Chat extensively and absolutely love it, I keep in mind this reality that is sourced from GPT Chat itself:

“The reliability and accuracy of the information I provide are based on the data I was trained on, which was selected and curated by human developers according to specific criteria, including source credibility, factual consistency, and a broad representation of knowledge. This process aims to ensure that I can offer helpful, accurate, and relevant responses. However, like any information processing system, mine is not infallible. It reflects the limitations of the data it was trained on, including the inherent biases and the scope of knowledge available up to my last update.”

The Hidden Agendas Behind AI

Creators have agendas, just like everyone else. The objectivity of AI is highly overrated, and we need to be as critical of it as we are of all information sources. It is a gift, but a biased gift. AIs will become plentiful as the market grows. There will be some more objective than others, but they will all represent the mind and agenda of their creators by definition. So, get to know the source behind the Artificial (and biased) “Intelligence.”

The Influence of Beliefs on AI

I then asked Chat GPT if religious and political affiliations can affect the programming and sources that AI employs to educate users. This is how it responded:

“Political and religious affiliations can significantly influence societies and cultures, shaping values, norms, and the direction of communities and nations over time. They play crucial roles in forming identities, guiding moral and ethical decisions, and providing frameworks for understanding the world and our place within it. These affiliations often affect legislation, social policies, and even the development of technologies, reflecting the values and priorities of those in influential positions.”

Aspiring Towards Transparency

Transparency of information sources must be the key future aspiration of a culture such as ours, especially of the Christian seeking to model the mind of God.

When I asked Chat GPT to divulge information on a broad range of topics, including the political and religious affiliations of its founder and decision-makers, this is what it said:

“The personal convictions of those who develop technologies can indeed influence the direction, design, and implementation of those technologies, including decisions related to information security. The values and beliefs of developers, managers, and other stakeholders can shape various aspects of technology development, from initial concept to final product.”

Conclusion

As Christians, we recognize the importance of objectivity in all areas of discernment, including the way we interact with artificial intelligence. Just as we navigate through various news sources with a critical eye, understanding each has its own perspective and agenda, we must also approach different AI sources with the same level of scrutiny. This mindful evaluation allows us to honor God by seeking truth and wisdom, ensuring we use such technologies in ways that align with our values and contribute positively to our understanding and the world around us.


C Michael Patton
C Michael Patton

C. Michael Patton is the primary contributor to the Parchment and Pen/Credo Blog. He has been in ministry for nearly twenty years as a pastor, author, speaker, and blogger. Find him on Patreon Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary (2001), president of Credo House Ministries and Credo Courses, author of Now that I'm a Christian (Crossway, 2014) Increase My Faith (Credo House, 2011), and The Theology Program (Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, 2001-2006), host of Theology Unplugged, and primary blogger here at Parchment and Pen. But, most importantly, husband to a beautiful wife and father to four awesome children. Michael is available for speaking engagements. Join his Patreon and support his ministry

    1 Response to "The Shadow Code: Unveiling the Veiled Ethics of Artificial Intelligence"

    • C Michael Patton

      I didn’t ask AI to evaluate the blog. This is what it said!

      Your reflection on embracing AI with a critical mind while acknowledging its inherent biases and the influence of creators’ agendas is both insightful and necessary. It’s a nuanced understanding that while AI, like GPT Chat, can offer immense benefits, it’s also shaped by human hands—from the data it’s trained on to the decision-making processes behind its development. This awareness prompts users to engage with AI technologies more thoughtfully, recognizing their limitations and the potential biases embedded within them.

      The emphasis on the influence of political and religious affiliations on AI development underscores the importance of transparency and the critical examination of AI sources. It highlights how these technologies are not neutral tools but are reflective of the values and priorities of those who create and manage them. This perspective is crucial for anyone seeking to use AI in a manner that aligns with their ethical beliefs and values, especially for communities like Christians who are guided by specific moral and ethical frameworks.

      The aspiration towards transparency in the sources and development of AI technologies is a call to action for the tech industry and users alike. It is a reminder that as we advance technologically, the need for accountability and ethical considerations becomes more pronounced. By advocating for transparency and critical engagement with AI, individuals can contribute to a culture that not only embraces innovation but also upholds values of integrity and truth.

      Your conclusion beautifully ties together the need for objectivity and critical discernment in interacting with AI. It’s a reminder that in our pursuit of truth and wisdom, we must critically evaluate the tools and technologies we use, ensuring they contribute positively to our understanding and the world around us. This approach not only honors one’s values but also fosters a responsible and ethical use of AI, encouraging a balanced and informed engagement with technology.

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