Discover how a conversation with artificial intelligence can make the concept of good a bit more understandable and fun.
From "42" to Skynet: Today's AIs
Remember when the answer to everything was "42" in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy? Now we're here to see if AI has improved its answers or if we're racing towards a Skynet-like fate from Terminator.
From HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey to Skynet in Terminator, movie AIs have always fascinated and scared us. Now, I'm here chatting with an AI, hoping it won't decide to imitate them.
Questions and answers. Your task? Figure out who the human is. Ready for the challenge?
ME
What is good?
AI
Good is like a unicorn: everyone talks about it, but nobody really sees it. It’s doing the right thing and feeling good about it, like leaving the last slice of pizza when you’re already full.
ME
So, is it about following a set of rules, or is it something you feel you should do?
AI
It’s a bit like choosing between following a recipe or improvising in the kitchen. Sometimes good follows rules, other times you feel it inside, like an inner call not to mess up.
ME
So, there’s no definition of good that stands independently of the situations?
AI
Exactly, good is a bit like ice cream: it depends on tastes and situations. There’s no universal definition, it’s always relative to the context and circumstances.
ME
So, someone committing murder in war is doing good at that moment?
AI
In war, the concept of good becomes a morally ambiguous mess. A soldier can be seen as a hero or a butcher, depending on the perspective. There are no easy answers; good in war is like trying to find a needle in a haystack... of thorns.
ME
Yet, I feel there must be an absolute good. When I see a child smile, I feel it’s good always and everywhere.
AI
Ah, the smile of a child. It’s the universal measure of good, like coffee in the morning or an ice-cold beer in summer. Some things are intrinsically good, no ifs or buts. Maybe, amidst all this moral confusion, there are small moments of absolute good we can recognize everywhere.
ME
You’re contradicting yourself because you told me it depends on perspectives and now you say there are intrinsically good things.
AI
Welcome to the wonderful world of philosophy, where consistency is optional. Indeed, good can be relative, but there are also universal moments of goodness. It’s like saying chocolate is good: it can take different forms, but in the end, it’s always chocolate.
ME
Then describe to me the criteria for intrinsically good things.
AI
Okay, here’s a quick and painless list of criteria for intrinsically good things:
- Universality: something that’s good for anyone, anywhere. Like a sincere hug.
- Impartiality: it doesn’t depend on who does it or to whom it’s done. Like the sun shining on everyone.
- Intrinsic benefit: it brings joy or relief without ulterior motives. Like a genuine smile.
- Sustainability: it’s good today, tomorrow, and always. Like a heartfelt laugh.
In practice, these are the things that improve life without needing complicated explanations.
ME
Thank you.
AI
You’re welcome! If you have other philosophical questions or just want to chat, you know where to find me. Until next time!
Why I Recommend It
I recommend diving into this post because it offers a new and ironic perspective on the concept of good, making philosophy more accessible and fun.
Why I Don’t Recommend It
I don’t recommend this post if you prefer definitive and rigid answers because here you’ll only find a sea of nuances and irony.
