Introduction

According to the latest news, advances in artificial intelligence are taking steps towards equipping computers with the ability to argue. The process of argumentation and debate is what form the cornerstones of a civilised society and an intellectual life. Do we need to be worried if the computers are equipped with similar skills?

As technology is continuously reshaping our lives, we are slowly getting used to the new ways of working and interacting. Along with us, technology is always changing the way the government and judiciaries engage citizens in the democratic and legal processes. It seems like technology is always evolving for the betterment of the society. However, there are profound challenges as well.

One of the reasons for these challenges could be the way we are presented with the latest news. From Fox to BBC, most of the media channels are personalizing content, with login ID to select which stories would be featured prominently. Because of this, we are constantly locking ourselves into chambers of like-minded individuals. This eventually results into our arguments being more one-sided, less balanced and a lack of alternative point of views.

Another concern is that the news which is delivered is not completely reliable anymore. Due to such challenges, the critical thinking skills are considered to be the most important. It is not only limited to critical thinking but also the ability to judge, understand other viewpoints, integrate information, balance arguments and draw a final conclusion. These are a few of the most prominent skills that have been the subject of academic research in philosophy for more than 2000 years.

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The University of Dundee has a Centre of Argument Technology (ARG-tech) that primarily focuses on the theories of philosophy, linguistics and psychology; which tell us about how we argue, counter-argue and similar points. These theories are later used as a starting point to develop AI tools that model, recognize, teach and participate in the arguments.
Experts are still taking time to develop this type of AI is because of the lack of enough data.

Conclusion

The development of AI capable of argumentation is a fascinating and potentially game-changing field. As technology continues to evolve, AI tools that can recognize, model, and even participate in debates could significantly impact how we process and evaluate information. However, this technology also raises concerns, particularly regarding how it might influence the way we engage with differing viewpoints and make decisions. As experts work on refining these systems, it will be crucial to ensure that they foster healthy, balanced discussions and do not reinforce biased narratives.

FAQs

1. What is Argument Technology (ARG-tech)?
   ARG-tech refers to the study and development of AI tools that model, recognize, teach, and participate in arguments. This field is based on philosophies, linguistics, and psychology regarding how people argue and counter-argue.
2. Why is AI argumentation important?
   AI argumentation can help improve critical thinking, decision-making, and reasoning skills. It could also aid in presenting balanced perspectives, which are crucial in today’s media landscape.
3. How does AI argue or debate?
   AI that can argue is designed to analyze various arguments, weigh different viewpoints, and generate responses that reflect reasoned discourse. It can model human debate and counter-argumentation through algorithms and data.
4. What challenges are there in developing AI for argumentation?
   One of the key challenges is the lack of sufficient data to train AI systems for accurate and nuanced argumentation. AI needs diverse, high-quality data to understand and replicate complex human reasoning processes.
5. Can AI help improve our critical thinking skills?
   Yes, if developed and implemented responsibly, AI could serve as a tool to help improve critical thinking by presenting users with well-structured, balanced arguments and encouraging engagement with alternative viewpoints.
6. Is AI argumentation something we should worry about?
   While AI argumentation can enhance understanding and debate, it’s essential to be cautious. If misused, AI could reinforce biases or mislead individuals by offering one-sided arguments. Proper ethical guidelines and checks are necessary for its responsible use.

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