Deep In Thought

By Maya Johnston

The Governor’s Scholars Program includes 18 focus areas, one of which being philosophy. This past Friday, July 18th, I had the opportunity to observe the philosophy focus area. The class is taught by Sarah Beach, a communications professor at Spalding University. Sarah told me that she chooses a different overarching theme for the class every summer. This year, scholars are examining the philosophy of technology which includes the ethical and productive uses, how it impacts society, and how we impact it. 

With the end of the program being just over a week away, Sarah introduced the final project for the class. Scholars were tasked with creating a three minute speech that defends their personal opinion and includes philosophical techniques. Before diving into the projects, Sarah led the class through a mini lesson regarding the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). To start, Sarah showed the class how there are different AI policies by sharing the list of approved policies used at Spalding University. Once scholars had a base understanding of the ethical uses of AI, Sarah utilized Chat GTP to show examples of AI use. With these examples, Sarah pointed out the features that are acceptable and unacceptable. For example, Sarah pointed out that AI can be used to help brainstorm topics for their final speeches. She also went through an essay written by ChatGTP to show scholars how easy it is for professors to realize when assignments were done by AI. 

Since the lesson taught scholars the best ways to prepare for their speeches, everyone now had time to brainstorm ideas and form an outline. During this workshop time, Sarah went around to work through ideas and questions with scholars. To conclude the brainstorming session, scholars pulled out their packets, which biographies philosopher Jurgen Habermas, to think about different philosophy based techniques they can incorporate into their speeches. For a fun way to finish class, scholars participated in the well known game of “Mafia.” However, to fit their theme of technology, the game was called “Trending,” with the goal being to vote out the influencers. 

Overall, scholars have been enjoying the philosophy focus area this summer. When asked about their favorite parts of the class, there was a range of answers, from debating without constraints to thinking deeper about artifacts at museums. The class has had other benefits as well. Halle Rice, a philosophy scholar, stated that the class has helped her to clarify her thoughts and opinions on different topics. The scholars will round out the last week of the program by finishing and presenting their speeches to the class. 

Edited by Josiah Self