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Lesson 7

We will learn about two types of faulty reasoning so we can analyze the strength and reliability of evidence used in sources we will be reading throughout this unit. We will watch two videos that explore whether humans are in danger as AI advances to understand why people are afraid of strong AI, applying our skills of analyzing the sources for possible uses of faulty reasoning.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I evaluate the credibility and strength of an argumentative text?

  • Can I analyze an argumentative for evidence of faulty reasoning?

Texts

Core

  • Digital Access
    • “Artificial Intelligence 101: Why It’s Different This Time,” Zoe Thomas and Eric Niiler, The Wall Street Journal, April 3, 2023
    • “Can We Build AI without Losing Control over It?,” Sam Harris, TED, June 2016
    • “Fortune Brainstorm Films: Artificial Intelligence,” Fortune Magazine, YouTube, November 7, 2018
    • “Glossary of Artificial Intelligence Terms (From A to Z),” Rebecca Reynoso, G2.com, Inc., 2019
    • “What Is Technological Singularity? Origins: The Journey of Humankind,” National Geographic, YouTube, March 16, 2017
  • Unit Reader
    • “Artificial Intelligence and Life in 2030,” Peter Stone et al., Stanford University, 2016
    • “Distinguishing between Narrow AI, General AI and Super AI,” Tannya D. Jajal, Tannya D. Jajal, 2018

Materials

Tools

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Write – Discuss

We will learn about two specific types of faulty reasoning: false dilemma and non-sequitur.

Step 1

Throughout this unit, we will encounter argumentative texts and videos. To help us be able to establish our own views about AI, based on evidence, it is important to be able to evaluate the credibility of an author’s or speaker’s evidence. We will learn about two specific kinds of faulty reasoning—false dilemma and non-sequitur—to be able to better evaluate the quality of evidence we will be encountering as it relates to the reliability of the claim.

Faulty reasoning can be used to persuade people with irrelevant or incorrect information, usually in an attempt to appeal to one’s emotions instead of logic.

  • False dilemma is a type of faulty reasoning that is sometimes referred to as the “either/or” fallacy. It is meant to force a person to choose one side of what is presented as only two possible sides. For example, “Love it or leave it” gives only two sides, leaving out other options, such as “Work to change it.”

  • Non-sequitur, Latin for “it does not follow,” is a type of faulty reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn that does not follow logically from what was presented. For example, “My Collie can do tricks. My Collie is a dog. Therefore, all dogs can do tricks.” While both of the first statements may be true, the conclusion drawn is not necessarily correct and is an unfounded generalization.

Step 2

Working with a partner, brainstorm at least one example for each type of faulty reasoning: false dilemma and non-sequitur. Write your examples with the appropriate label. Explain how each example matches the definition of the type of faulty reasoning.

You and your partner then should pair with another group and share your ideas. Evaluate whether the examples match the definition to further your understanding of each so you can consider whether the texts and videos in this unit contain valid evidence as opposed to faulty reasoning.

Activity 2: View – Write – Discuss

As a class, we will watch “What Is Technological Singularity? Origins: The Journey Of Humankind.”

Watch "What is Technological Singularity? Origins: The Journey of Humankind" with the following guiding questions in mind. Take notes in your Video Note-Taking Tool.

  1. Jason Silva claims that "optimistic futurists in Silicon Valley...say that what’s going to happen is that we’re going to continue to augment our own thinking by uploading more and more and more of our own cognition...to non-biological intelligence. So, it's not so much that the artificial mind is going to rise up against us, but that we’re going to continue to become more non-biological." What evidence does he use to support this claim?

  2. Does his evidence contain an example of faulty reasoning? If so, what type? How does it impact the credibility of his claim?

Respond to and discuss the question with a partner.

Activity 3: View – Write – Discuss

As a class, we will watch an excerpt from a tedtalk by Sam Harris called “Can We Build Ai Without Losing Control Over It?”

As a class, watch 1:40-4:04 from the TEDTalk “Can We Build AI without Losing Control over It?” with Sam Harris. Keep the following guiding question in mind. Take notes on the Video Note-Taking Tool.

  1. Sam Harris states we risk an intelligence explosion if we continue to create smarter and smarter machines. What evidence does he give to support his claim?

  2. Does his evidence contain an example of faulty reasoning? If so, what type? How does it impact the credibility of his claim?

Discuss the question with a partner.

Activity 4: Write

We will decide which argument we most agree with.

In order to prepare for a class debate in the next class period, gather evidence to support whether you agree with Jason Silva or Sam Harris.

Think about the following question using the Video Note-Taking Tool to write down your response, evidence, and explanation.

  1. Who do you agree with regarding super AI: Jason Silva’s more positive outlook or Sam Harris’s cautionary stance?

Use the notes you took on the Video Note-Taking Tool and information from any of the materials from this section to help you gather evidence to support your claim.

Activity 5: Discuss

We will find classmates who agree with our claims and share evidence.

In order to strengthen your argument, find classmates who agree with you, and discuss the topic with the goal of finding more evidence and creating more solid reasoning to support your opinion.

Activity 6: Write

For homework, we will prepare for the class debate on super AI.

For homework, you will prepare for the informal class debate by completing Section 1 of the Discussion Tool.