AI, Knowledge, and Accountability, Lesson 3
Lesson 3: Listening Task
Focus: Will AI do more harm than good?
Learning objectives:
- Analyze and evaluate the strength of arguments in debates about AI ethics.
- Evaluate the ethical implications of AI technologies from multiple stakeholder perspectives.
| Critical Thinking Concepts | TOK Concepts | Reflection Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Confronting Biases and Assumptions: Question why speakers might present AI ethics from specific angles. Exploring Contexts and Expert Opinions: Compare different speakers and judge the credibility, relevance, and potential biases of each perspective. Responsiveness and Flexibility of Thought: Note specific moments when new information shifts their understanding or reinforces an existing belief. | Ethics: What ethical principles guide how we assign responsibility for AI decisions? Perspectives: Why might speakers present AI ethics from different angles? Values: How do cultural or societal values shape ethical principles in the field of AI? | What ethical frameworks influence our view of responsibility for AI decisions? What ethical principles guide how we assign responsibility for AI decisions? How do cultural or societal values shape these principles? |
Resources and Preparation
- Slides, attached below.
- Students can create their own discussion around the central question, or you can clone and use this ready-made example.
- Debate videos:
Introduction
Present a short debate or TED Talk clip about AI ethics (see resources section).
Highlight the central question for discussion: “Will AI do more harm than good?”
Main Activity
Listening Task
Students watch the video and take notes on the speaker(s)’ key arguments and counterarguments. In the interest of time, videos can be assigned as homework prior to the class discussion.
During note-taking, students should analyze the strength of each argument presented, relating this to their previous research.
If necessary, students should seek additional sources to support their analysis.
Kialo Discussion
In small groups, students create a new Kialo discussion around the central question.
Alternatively, if students require more structure, clone and share this ready-made discussion, based on the theses below.
Students should use their analysis to ensure they select only the strongest arguments from the listening task.
They should add these to the Kialo discussion as arguments, counterarguments, examples, and evaluations.
Encourage students to refer to different ethical frameworks in their arguments.
Reflection Activity
Discuss the following reflection questions in open discussion or exit ticket format, inviting students to compare different ethical approaches and their implications:
- What ethical frameworks influence our view of responsibility for AI decisions?
- What ethical principles guide how we assign responsibility for AI decisions?
- How do cultural or societal values shape these principles?
