Since its arrival at the end of 2022, ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence text generator, has been questioning the teaching world. Built answers, drawn from the multiple knowledge present on the internet. Faced with a question of philosophy, is the robot capable of doing as well or even better than a high school student?
This June 14, the final year students of general and technological high schools are working on their copy of philosophy. With the reform of the baccalaureate, this last exam has less stake for students who already know their assignment on ParcourSup and for whom 40% of the baccalaureate is done in continuous assessment. But a good mark in philosophy can earn extra points, for a mention or just the personal pride of the students.
Less stake, it is perhaps also more room for a more personal reflection, rather than a restitution of the knowledge learned by heart. Could this work of thought, ChatGPT’s conversational agent, know how to do it?
We submitted to this artificial intelligence (which has access to all the knowledge present on the internet and which is able to make a constructed answer) one of the two dissertation subjects for the 2023 baccalaureate: “Is happiness a matter of reason?”.
By presenting the subject to artificial intelligence, we gave him some instructions: it must be a dissertation, which mobilizes philosophical references, with introduction, conclusion and a plan in three parts. In less than a few seconds, the tool offers the titles of a plan, an introduction and a conclusion.
We therefore rephrased our request, this time asking for written paragraphs. Again in thirty seconds, here is a dissertation of 762 words, a far cry from the four hours granted to final year students to work on this subject.
But then what is this copy worth? We submitted it to the correction of a professor who teaches philosophy in a high school in Vénissieux. “I find it quite mechanical. this is the first impression of Antoine, also a baccalaureate corrector. “It clearly lacks examples, there are enumerations without any real conceptual analysis…”
So we’re asking ChatGPT to redo its copy, with more examples. Again, in 30 seconds, the chatbot produces an essay (read below). “It’s better, note the teacher. He respects the rules of the dissertation, he follows the development well. It gives the appearance of a reflection.”
“A machine can do rhetoric very well, the art of speaking well, of putting forms, without it being linked to deep reflections.”
Antoine, philosophy teacher
Could this copy be that of a high school student? “It would be a student who has not followed the lessons very well, among other things the methodology, since there are titles in the copy. But it would be a student with a good cultural background, with a lot of references. If a students in my high school, returned this copy to me, I would know that it is not his: “the harmony between reason and emotions” or “reason must guide our moral choices and our duties towards others”, it is not their way of expressing themselves.” A good level of expression and yet a fault: Emmanuel Kant has become “Immanuel Kant” in the copy of ChatGPT. The reason is simple: it is the English version of the philosopher’s name.
“Giving more and more instructions to ChatGPT should result in good copy.”
Antoine, philosophy teacher
On YouTube, Mr. Phi, whose channel is dedicated to philosophy, submitted last year’s topic to the chatbot. He pushed his request further, with very specific instructions on how to write an essay for the baccalaureate, such as “Write your second development part based on your plan. It should be about four paragraphs […] then a transition to the next part.”
The result is rather convincing, according to this doctor of philosophy: “cIt is far from perfect, but if you have already corrected the baccalaureate, you will find that it has very high school imperfections, it really looks like a copy of baccalaureate and it is rather the top of the basket.
Since the arrival of ChatGPT last November, the question of its use by students arises for the teaching staff. “Cheating has always been present, tempers Antoine. When I realize that there has been cheating, I put a bad note. Eventually, I plan to do less and less homework, and more exercise in class. This better prepares students for the baccalaureate, which is a time-limited written test.
For the teacher, the ability of the robot to write a dissertation, must even question the interest of the dissertation in the baccalaureate. “We should think about other forms of evaluation, such as a presentation, on the model of the Grand Oral, which allows to further push the student’s reflection, thanks to the time of exchange with the examiner.”suggests the teacher.
We are left with the question of the grade, would ChatGPT have had its baccalaureate? The teacher is rather lenient”It would have between 10 and 12 for its first version, and it could go up to 13 or 14, with the examples.” For real seniors, they will have to wait until July 4 before knowing if they have done better than artificial intelligence.
The copy of ChatGPT to the question: Is happiness a matter of reason?
“Title: Happiness: a quest enlightened by reason and passions
Introduction: Happiness, a central notion in philosophy, has aroused profound reflections since Antiquity. Among the questions that arise, this one holds our attention: is happiness a matter of reason? On the one hand, certain philosophical currents emphasize the importance of reason in the search for happiness, while others highlight the role of passions and emotions. In this dissertation, we will examine the arguments for and against the idea that happiness depends on both reason and the passions, based on the reflections of renowned philosophers.
I. Reason: A Path to Enlightened Happiness
The search for wisdom and virtue, at the heart of ancient philosophy, offers us perspectives on the link between reason and happiness. According to Socrates, self-examination and the quest for truth lead to a better life, in harmony with reason. In the same spirit, Plato affirms that the knowledge of the good inevitably leads to virtue and, therefore, to happiness. Aristotle, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of a well-examined life, where reason guides our choices and actions, thus promoting the development of our potential and our happiness.
Moreover, reason is also a valuable tool in decision-making. René Descartes argues that the exercise of rational and critical thinking is essential to avoid errors and illusions that can hinder our quest for happiness. By relying on reason, we are able to rationally evaluate the various options available to us, to make informed decisions and to pursue objectives in accordance with our values.
II. Passions: a source of fulfillment in the search for happiness
Although reason plays an essential role in our pursuit of happiness, passions and emotions should not be neglected. Empirical philosopher David Hume points out that emotions are central to our experiences and have a direct impact on our well-being. According to him, it is through emotions that we give meaning to our existence and that we feel happiness. Passions, far from being irrational, are a manifestation of our human nature and can be a source of fulfillment.
Moreover, the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche contests the idea of a purely rational happiness. According to him, passions and instincts are vital forces that stimulate our creativity and vitality. He argues that true happiness lies in authentic self-expression, in tune with our deepest desires and urges. Thus, the passions, far from being obstacles to happiness, can be powerful engines in our quest for satisfaction and personal achievement.
III. The harmony between reason and passions for a balanced life
To find a balanced happiness, it is necessary to seek harmony between reason and passions. This idea is defended by the French philosopher Blaise Pascal, who affirms that “the heart has its reasons that reason does not know”. According to him, reason and the passions should not be seen as opposing forces, but as complementary dimensions of our existence. The balance between these two elements allows us to fully express our individuality while preserving our ability to make informed decisions.
Similarly, the German philosopher Immanuel Kant offers a perspective in which reason and the passions are integrated. He argues that reason should guide our moral choices and our duties to others, while passions can be channeled in ways that promote our personal happiness. According to Kant, a life well lived involves balancing the dictates of reason with the aspirations of our passions.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the question of whether happiness is a matter of reason is complex and requires a nuanced approach. Reason plays a crucial role in our pursuit of happiness by enabling us to make informed decisions and helping us to find meaning in our existence. However, passions and emotions are also essential elements in our search for satisfaction and fulfilment. Harmony between reason and passions seems to be the way to authentic and balanced happiness. By integrating both reason and passions, respecting our individual aspirations, we can hope to find a path to happiness that is unique to us. As the philosophers Socrates, Hume and Nietzsche argue, a fulfilling life requires both the guidance of reason and the genuine expression of our passions.”
