Philosophy essays can be a real test for some students. Thus they were able to see in ChatGPT the perfect tool to save time, letting the OpenAI chatbot put its talent at the service of a philosophical reflection. Tech&Co had already tested the experiment a few weeks ago by proposing to ChatGPT the 2022 philosophy baccalaureate subject: “Does freedom consist in not obeying anyone?”
A result that Marie Perret, associate professor of philosophy and president of APPEP (Association of Philosophy Teachers in Public Education) considers very little personal or even artificial. The professor was not convinced by the old version of the OpenAI chatbot at all, what will happen with GPT-4?
stronger arguments
Unlike the first test where ChatGPT was content with simple guidelines, GPT-4 offers a real thesis plan with slightly more concrete examples, like with Jean-Jacques Rousseau, William Godwin or Thomas Hobbes (see full answer at the end). from the article). A process that delights Marie Perret even more.
Because here, GPT-4 has not only provided single examples, but has also offered a three-part plan with two subparts each (and titles for all of them), as well as an introduction and a conclusion. This dissertation thus takes up a rather classic form of thesis/antithesis/synthesis, thus beginning with a first part “Arguments in favor of the idea that freedom consists in not obeying anyone”.
The professor thus points out that the “references are not very explicit and the arguments are few.” With another critique he returns, like the first test: GPT-4 is still not capable of real philosophical reflection.
“Particularly Hollow Introduction”
It is difficult to let GPT-4 write the dissertation without revision or personal additions in the future. In fact, Marie Perret insists that a student’s personal touch is always useful during a philosophy exam: “This text, even if it is better than the first, has a limit: it does not account for a reflection that a thinking being would have made.” on the subject, with its doubts, its questions, its hesitations and also its clumsiness”.
If the previous version of ChatGPT already offered an artificial response, GPT-4 is finally no more natural according to Marie Perret. “The introduction is particularly hollow. The plan is very formal and artificial. In a dissertation, the plan is not a mold that would be imposed on thought from the outside. It accounts for the very movement of thought, for the moments through which it passed. , stages of its journey”, indicates the professor.
So, can GPT-4 be used for philosophy dissertations? According to the specialist in philosophy, yes, but with one condition: that the proposed answer only serve as a draft of the plan, during the draft stage.
“ChatGPT still has some work to do in terms of writing to attract a philosophy professor,” sums up Marie Perret. So uninspired students will have to wait a bit longer (until the hypothetical GPT-5?) before getting a 20/20 in philosophy.
The copy rendered by GPT-4 for the topic “Does freedom consist in not obeying anyone?”
Introduction
Freedom is a central philosophical concept that gives rise to many reflections and debates. It manifests itself in various fields, such as politics, morality or even culture. A recurring question in discussions about freedom is whether it consists in not obeying anyone. To answer this, this dissertation will first examine the arguments in favor of this idea, then those that challenge it, before offering a more nuanced view of freedom.
I. Arguments in favor of the idea that freedom consists in not obeying anyone
A. Individual freedom and mental independence
Some philosophers, like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, raised the idea that freedom consists in not depending on any external authority. This vision of freedom emphasizes the importance of the autonomy and independence of the mind. Obeying no one would then imply being able to think for oneself and make decisions without being constrained by the opinions and directives of others.
B. The critique of authority and social hierarchies
This view is also part of a broader critique of authority and social hierarchies. Anarchist philosophers, such as William Godwin, have argued that freedom cannot be fully realized while individuals are subject to coercive institutions, such as the state or the church. According to this perspective, not obeying anyone would be a way of freeing oneself from the chains imposed by the power structures.
II. Arguments that question the idea that freedom consists in not obeying anyone
A. The need for laws and regulations for peaceful coexistence
However, this vision of freedom has limits. In fact, life in society requires certain rules and laws to guarantee the peaceful coexistence of individuals. Philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes have thus argued that freedom implies the acceptance of a social contract, by which individuals give up part of their freedom to benefit from collective security. In this context, obeying just and equitable laws would not be incompatible with freedom.
B. The distinction between autonomy and absolute independence
In addition, it is essential to distinguish between autonomy and absolute independence. The German philosopher Emmanuel Kant notably developed the idea of autonomy as the ability to give oneself moral norms, based on reason and respect for human dignity. According to this perspective, freedom does not consist in obeying anyone, but in freely choosing to obey universal and rational principles.
third A nuanced vision of freedom
A. Freedom as a balance between independence and responsibility
Given the above arguments, it is possible to offer a nuanced view of freedom. Rather than seeing it as absolute independence or total submission to external rules, freedom could be understood as a balance between independence and responsibility. People must be given space for personal choice and reflection, while considering the impact of their actions on others and committing to abide by fair and just social norms.
B. Freedom as a process of emancipation
From this perspective, freedom can also be seen as a process of emancipation, which implies both work on oneself and a transformation of social conditions. This vision joins the ideas of thinkers such as Paulo Freire, for whom freedom is not reduced to the absence of constraints, but rather supposes an active commitment in the construction of a fairer and more supportive world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, freedom does not consist simply in not obeying anyone. If mental independence and criticism of authority are important elements of freedom, it is also necessary to take into account the social dimension and the responsibilities that derive from it. Freedom implies, therefore, a balance between autonomy and collective commitment, as well as a constant process of personal and social emancipation.
Source: BFM TV
