AI Helps PhD Thesis Planning, PhD Defense, and First Job
Talk
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
AI
HELPS PhD THESIS PLANNING, PhD DEFENSE, and FIRST JOB TALK
In this innovative and
interactive project, we demonstrate the groundbreaking new concept of
"guided creation." This approach represents a synthesis between human
intuition and AI capabilities, offering a powerful mechanism for synergistic
collaboration. We showcased “guided creation” through the simulation of PhD
thesis development, the PhD “orals,” and a subsequent job talk. The academic
work looks at the influence of Charles Dickens on Mark Twain. Our human-AI
dialogue navigated from conceptualizing the thesis to examining its
implications, including a prospective job talk and possible future research
collaborations.
Each stage of this
project was crafted through a blend of human prompts and creative AI responses,
which shaped the direction of the conversation. To bring together all aspects
of the project, AI also offered a comprehensive summary of the whole project,
and wrote a 2-minute video script. Energizing AI not only in the creation process
but also in summarizing the project for potential readers underlines the
versatility of the deliverables that comprise this project.
Guided creation brings a
transformative perspective to traditional tasks by enabling AI to augment human
capabilities, with the goal of greater depth and options. By demonstrating its
application in literary research, this methodology gives readers a concrete
example of a mode of interaction with AI, with fresh possibilities for critical
thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.
AI prompts in RED. Machine output in BLACK.
Typeset PDF:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jD2NUELUSQ8vsg31XUg7JZc9EWz3_LMH/view?usp=sharing
Blog:
https://bqwebpage.blogspot.com/2023/05/ai-helps-phd-thesis-planning-phd.html
Google doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T7CFEOvpHb8UB4JWIxDPmtYZ4IxVbQVUX6pHtyZRZBQ/edit?usp=sharing
_________________________
I have found that a good
way to interact with GPT4 is to ask for the executive summary of a PhD thesis
on the topic of interest.
For example, if I am
interested in the influence of Charles Dickens on Mark Twain, I can ask for the
executive summary of a PhD on just that opic.
Often GPT4 divides the
PhD into five or six chapters. If I feel its initial summary of a chapter is a
little vague, I can ask for a longer description of the chapter. Let’s
go.
ChatGPT
I'm glad to hear you've
found an enjoyable and insightful way to interact with the model! Asking for an
executive summary of a hypothetical PhD thesis can certainly provide a
structured way of learning about complex topics.
ORGANIZING
THE PhD
Let's say you're
interested in a PhD thesis titled: "The Influence of
Charles Dickens on Mark Twain: A Comparative Study." An
executive summary might look like this:
Chapter 1: Introduction
and Background
This chapter provides an
overview of both authors, their works, their cultural and historical context,
and their writing styles. It lays out the purpose of the study and explains why
exploring the influence of Dickens on Twain is a valuable topic of research.
Chapter 2: Charles
Dickens: His Life and Work
A comprehensive look
into Dickens' writing style, themes, and character development. This chapter
studies Dickens' societal influence during his time and his impact on
literature.
Chapter 3: Mark Twain:
His Life and Work
Similar to the previous
chapter, but focusing on Twain. It explores how his work was influenced by the
societal changes occurring in America, as well as by other literary figures,
including Dickens.
Chapter 4: Direct
Influences and References
This chapter analyzes
the direct references to Dickens and his work in Twain's writing, including
both explicit mentions and potential allusions.
Chapter 5: Thematic and
Stylistic Comparisons
This chapter delves into
the thematic and stylistic parallels between the two authors. It explores how
Twain may have been influenced by Dickens in his approach to societal
commentary, characterization, humor, and use of dialect.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
and Implications
The final chapter
concludes the study, summarizing the key findings regarding Dickens' influence
on Twain. It also discusses the broader implications of these influences on
American literature and culture.
If you'd like more
detail on any of these chapters, feel free to ask!
Great outline.
As a human, I needed to
provide only a few words in the general direction of a topic, and the six
chapter structure appears from the AI.
Your early remarks on the high points (in this first exchange) is a great way
to help me take my own thinking further.
(I call this way of
interacting with AI, "Guided Creation.")
ChatGPT
I'm glad to hear that
this approach works well for you! Structuring a complex topic into the form of
a hypothetical PhD thesis allows for a comprehensive yet digestible
understanding of the subject. Each chapter offers a concise summary of a
specific aspect, helping to clarify the big picture while also allowing for
deeper exploration if desired. This kind of dialogue can effectively guide your
learning process and facilitate critical thinking about the topic at hand. Feel
free to direct any other topics my way you'd like to explore in this format!
It’s almost in analogy
to skeuomorphic, I am asking for an answer that takes the form of a familiar
intellectual structure.
ChatGPT
That's an excellent
analogy! Skeuomorphism, in design, refers to making items represented resemble
their real-world counterparts. Here, by structuring the information like a PhD
thesis, you're leveraging a familiar academic framework to better
understand and organize the information, even though there isn't a real PhD
thesis. It's an interesting application of the concept of skeuomorphism to
learning and information processing. It allows you to explore and comprehend
complex subjects in a structured and systematic way.
Please make a more
detailed and deeper view of chapter 4.
ChatGPT
Absolutely, let's delve
deeper into Chapter 4: "Direct Influences and References."
Chapter
4: Direct Influences and References
In this chapter, we
analyze and interpret the explicit and implicit references to Charles Dickens
in Mark Twain's works.
4.1 Explicit References
to Dickens:
Twain made explicit
references to Dickens in his personal writings and speeches. For instance, in
his travel book, "Innocents Abroad," Twain wrote with admiration
about Dickens' description of certain places. The analysis of such remarks
reveals Twain's respect and admiration for Dickens.
4.2 Allusions in
Literary Works:
This section delves into
Twain's novels and short stories to identify any possible allusions to Dickens'
works. Particular attention is given to shared themes or character archetypes
that suggest Dickens' influence.
4.3 Shared Social
Commentary:
Both Dickens and Twain
used their work to critique societal issues, with Dickens often focusing on the
hardships of the urban poor, while Twain targeted the hypocrisy and injustices
of slavery-era South. This section explores whether Twain's social commentary
was influenced by Dickens' approach.
4.4 Shared Techniques:
This section examines
stylistic techniques employed by Twain that appear influenced by Dickens, such
as their shared knack for colorful and memorable characterization, humor, and
regional dialect.
4.5 Interpretation of
References:
The final part of this
chapter synthesizes the findings, interpreting how these references and
allusions might demonstrate the extent of Dickens' influence on Twain's work.
This involves a critical analysis of how these references to Dickens might have
shaped Twain's narrative style, themes, and characterization.
This more detailed
overview of Chapter 4 provides a clearer understanding of how the study would
approach identifying and interpreting Dickens' direct influence on Twain.
Please provide a more
detailed and deeper view of chapter 5.
ChatGPT
Of course, let's dive
deeper into Chapter 5: "Thematic and Stylistic Comparisons."
Chapter
5: Thematic and Stylistic Comparisons
This chapter examines
the thematic and stylistic parallels between Dickens and Twain, aiming to
pinpoint areas where Dickens may have influenced Twain's work.
5.1 Thematic Parallels:
This section analyzes
the recurring themes in both authors' works. Common themes, such as class
struggle, societal corruption, and the loss of innocence, are explored to find
out if Twain's treatment of these subjects bears any imprint of Dickens'
influence.
5.2 Stylistic Parallels:
This part looks at the
unique styles of each author, exploring whether Twain adopted any stylistic
elements from Dickens. This analysis includes the use of satire, humor, and
depiction of characters.
5.3 Use of Dialect and
Language:
Both Dickens and Twain
are known for their ability to capture regional dialects and class-specific
speech patterns in their writing. This section looks at whether Twain's use of
dialect and language shows any signs of Dickensian influence.
5.4 Characterization:
Here we compare how the
two authors create and develop their characters. We particularly look at how
they depict socio-economically disadvantaged characters, a common feature in
both authors' works.
5.5 Social Commentary:
Both Dickens and Twain
used their literature to comment on societal issues of their times. This
section examines the extent to which Dickens' approach to social commentary may
have influenced Twain's own societal critiques.
5.6 Interpretation of
Parallels:
This final section
interprets the identified thematic and stylistic parallels. It tries to discern
to what extent these similarities can be attributed to Dickens' influence on
Twain or whether they might be due to independent but similar responses to the
societal conditions of their respective environments.
This deep dive into
Chapter 5 would provide a thorough analysis of the possible thematic and
stylistic influences that Charles Dickens had on Mark Twain's works.
# # # #
AN ADDED SECTION
I went back to the AI
after the end of the project and inserted the following question. In this
supplement, I ask the AI to think of "Dickens on Twain"as a general
topic, and provide 10 more narrow specific topics suitable for a
PhD, such as "Dickens' humor, influence on Twain's humor." Here
are the ten responses.
Here are ten potential specific
topics for a PhD thesis studying the influence of Charles Dickens on Mark
Twain:
- "The Pen as a Social Sword: How Dickens'
Social Commentary Influenced Twain's Depictions of Inequality."
- "Humor as a Social Mirror: Analyzing the
Influence of Dickens' Comedic Techniques on Twain's Satirical Style."
- "The Evolution of Character
Development: Tracing the Impact of Dickens' Characterization Techniques on
Twain's Literary Constructs."
- "Narrative Innovation: How Dickens'
Use of Multiple Perspectives Shaped Twain's Storytelling Techniques."
- "Borrowed Scenery: The Influence
of Dickens' Urban Landscapes on Twain's Depictions of the American
Frontier."
- "Breaking the Class Ceiling: Analyzing the
Influence of Dickens' Portrayal of Social Mobility on Twain's
Characters."
- "Literary Realism and
Beyond: Tracing the Influence of Dickens' Realistic Fiction on Twain's
Literary Style."
- "Growing Up with Dickens: How Dickens'
Child Protagonists Influenced Twain's Depictions of Childhood and
Adolescence."
- "Moral Lessons in Pages: Understanding
the Influence of Dickens' Use of Morality Tales on Twain's Ethical
Narratives."
- "From London to the
Mississippi: The Impact of Dickens' Narrative Structure on Twain's
Storytelling."
Each of these topics
offers a distinct angle to explore the overarching theme of Dickens' influence
on Twain and can provide a rich ground for detailed research and analysis.
End of insert. Back to
the original question series.
# # # #
THE
PHD DEFENSE DAY
After several years of
work, the graduate student has turned in her PhD thesis, and it has been
reviewed by her faculty members.
One of them is an expert
in the field of structuralism as a philosophy, and as a critical method.
What did this professor like most about the thesis, and what were his biggest
concerns?
ChatGPT
As a faculty member
specialized in structuralism, the professor would be particularly attentive to
how the thesis applied systematic methods and structures to interpret and
analyze literary texts.
What the Professor Liked
Most:
The professor
appreciated the systematic approach the student took in examining the
influences of Dickens on Twain. The structural breakdown of explicit
influences, allusions, shared themes, techniques, and social commentary allowed
for comprehensive and detailed analysis.
The faculty member also
commended the student's use of structuralist techniques to identify common
patterns and motifs in Dickens' and Twain's works. This method helped to reveal
underlying structures that could signify Dickens' influence on Twain.
Finally, the way the
student used structuralism to analyze the narratives, themes, and character
archetypes was appreciated. This allowed the student to demonstrate how
Dickens' and Twain's works might fit into broader structures in literature and
society, going beyond a simple comparison of their works.
Biggest Concerns:
One concern the
professor had was whether the structuralist approach might have limited the
scope of the analysis. While structuralism is powerful for revealing underlying
patterns and structures, it can sometimes overlook individual nuances and the
historical and cultural contexts that shaped each author's works.
The professor also
questioned whether the thesis sufficiently addressed potential
counterarguments. For example, how can we discern direct influences from common
societal influences or independent development of similar themes and styles?
Lastly, the professor
would be interested in how the thesis could be expanded using
post-structuralist theory, which might challenge some of the assumptions of
structuralism and provide an even more nuanced view of Dickens' influence on
Twain.
Overall, the professor
was appreciative of the depth and systematic nature of the analysis, while also
suggesting areas where the thesis could be further enriched and nuanced.
Can you elaborate via
some examples of how poststructuralist theory would lead in different
directions, than structuralism per se? Be sure you show what the
differences between the structuralist and poststructuralist approaches for, to
assist the general reader grasp your answer.
ChatGPT
Absolutely. Structuralism
and post-structuralism are both intellectual movements, but they approach
analysis from different perspectives.
Structuralism, which
emerged in the mid-20th century, focuses on identifying and analyzing the
underlying structures that govern the way we think, communicate, and perceive
the world. It assumes that the meaning of a text (or any cultural artifact)
lies not in the individual elements but in the structure they form, and it
tends to see phenomena as parts of a larger, coherent system.
On the other hand,
post-structuralism, which arose in response to structuralism, questions the
idea of fixed structures determining our understanding of the world.
Post-structuralists argue that meanings are not fixed or stable, but rather are
subject to interpretation and can change over time. They emphasize the role of
power, context, and reader interpretation in shaping meaning.
Now, let's consider how
a post-structuralist approach might differ in analyzing the thesis on
Dickens' influence on Twain:
1. Deconstructing Fixed
Meanings:
Post-structuralists
would likely challenge the idea of fixed themes or stylistic elements that can
be definitively attributed to Dickens' influence. They might argue that these
elements are open to multiple interpretations and that their meaning can change
based on different cultural or historical contexts.
2. Power Structures and
Biases:
A post-structuralist
analysis would also look at how power structures and biases might affect our
interpretation of both authors' works. For example, it might question whose
perspective is prioritized in determining what constitutes
"influence" and whether different interpretations might emerge from
different perspectives.
3. The Role of the
Reader:
Post-structuralism
places great emphasis on the role of the reader in creating meaning. In the
context of this thesis, a post-structuralist might argue that what we perceive
as Dickens' influence on Twain might instead reflect our own interpretations
and cultural biases.
4. Questioning Binary
Oppositions:
Post-structuralists often
challenge binary oppositions. If the thesis positions Dickens as the
influencer and Twain as the influenced, a post-structuralist might question
this binary, exploring how Twain might have influenced Dickens' posthumous
reputation or how they both might have been influenced by broader cultural
trends.
In sum, a
post-structuralist approach would add a layer of complexity to the thesis by
questioning the stability of meanings, exploring power structures and biases,
emphasizing the role of the reader, and challenging the binary opposition of
influencer and influenced.
THE
FIRST JOB INTERVIEW: AT ANOTHER COLLEGE
The student has passed
her PhD and is now giving job talks for tenure track faculty positions. Give us
the outline for a good job talk for her.
Pay particular attention
to the booby trap that her next plans ought NOT be simply a deeper dive into
the exact material of her PhD thesis. Rather, she should be building on her
skill set and moving her vision forward.
ChatGPT
Certainly! Here's an
outline for the job talk that highlights her previous work while also
showcasing her ability to expand her research beyond her PhD thesis:
I. Introduction (5
minutes)
Brief personal
introduction and academic background
Summary of her PhD
research's major findings
Explanation of why this
research is significant to the broader field of literature and culture studies
II. Deep Dive into PhD
Research (15 minutes)
Presentation of her
research question: the influence of Charles Dickens on Mark Twain
Explanation of her
methodological approach (structuralist analysis, comparative study)
Key findings and their
significance
Discussion of the
feedback she received during her viva, especially the critique from a
structuralist perspective, and how she addressed these points in her final
thesis
III. Post-PhD Research
Development (10 minutes)
Explanation of how her
PhD research led to her post-doctoral research interest: studying the influence
among authors within a broader literary network
Discussion of how she
plans to build on her skills, such as using structuralist methods to analyze
literary influences and extending these methods to a larger scale
Description of a
preliminary project she's started on this topic
IV. Future Research and
Contribution to the Department (10 minutes)
Outline of her future
research plans, perhaps involving a comparative study of different
authors from the same period, expanding on the theme of literary influence
Discussion on how she
plans to apply post-structuralist theory in her future research, to
address the limitations in her PhD work
Explanation of how her
research will contribute to the department, perhaps through interdisciplinary
collaboration or by filling a gap in the department's research portfolio
V. Teaching Philosophy
and Courses (10 minutes)
Overview of her teaching
philosophy and style
Ideas for courses she
could teach, drawing from her research expertise
Explanation of how her
teaching and research will mutually inform each other
VI. Conclusion and
Q&A (10 minutes)
- Recap of the key points from the
talk
- Emphasis on her excitement and
readiness to contribute to the department
- Open the floor for questions from
the audience
This job talk not only
covers the breadth and depth of her PhD research but also showcases her ability
to grow and adapt as a researcher. By demonstrating her eagerness to embrace
new theories (such as post-structuralism) and expand her research scope, she
shows potential employers that she has the vision and adaptability needed for a
tenure-track position.
QUESTIONS DURING JOB
TALK
The first question is
from the chairperson of the department that might hire her. She would like more
detail from the candidate regarding Point 4, her next research plans. The
chairperson immediately acknowledges the candidate won’t know the exact plans,
as she just finished her PhD thesis weeks ago.
However, could you give
some examples of her future research plans? For example, if the candidate
wanted to apply her method to a different author pair who might that
be?
ChatGPT
Absolutely. Here's a
more detailed response to the chairperson's question about the candidate's
future research plans:
Future Research
Directions:
Building on the
structuralist methods she utilized in her PhD work, she plans to extend her
research to studying the interplay of influences within a broader literary
network. She is interested in how literary influence propagates within this
network, not just between a pair of authors.
To start with, she's
considering examining the influence between F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest
Hemingway, two iconic American authors who were contemporaries and known to
have a complex friendship and rivalry. Both authors produced works that
captured the spirit of their time, and a study of the influences between them
could shed light on how their individual styles evolved in the context of their
relationship.
Another potential area
of interest is the influence of European authors, such as Leo Tolstoy and
Fyodor Dostoevsky, on American authors like William Faulkner. This
could involve studying how Faulkner's narrative techniques and themes were
shaped by his reading of Russian literature.
In addition, she is
interested in developing and applying a mixed-method approach that combines
structuralist and post-structuralist analysis. This would allow her to
continue examining underlying literary structures while also incorporating a
more nuanced understanding of how cultural and historical context, reader
interpretation, and power structures shape literary influence.
While these are
preliminary ideas, she is excited about the prospect of refining and expanding
upon them in collaboration with colleagues in her new department. By pursuing these
directions, she hopes to contribute to a more comprehensive and nuanced
understanding of how literary influence shapes and is shaped by broader
literary and cultural networks.
A tenured professor, who
is not the chairperson speaks up.
Could the candidate apply her method to a pair of living, authors, or a
pair where at least one author is living? That is, she could take a
structuralist approach to the influence of A and B, and after she has laid that
out, she could actually interview B for corroboration.
As you develop your
answer, consider that the candidate’s answer could be in the affirmative, in
the negative, or in some combination.
ChatGPT
Absolutely. Let's
consider each possibility:
1. Affirmative Approach:
The candidate affirms
that she could apply her structuralist approach to living authors. For
instance, she could examine the influence of Margaret Atwood on a younger
author like Sally Rooney. After conducting a structuralist analysis of their
works, she could indeed interview Rooney to gain insight into whether and how
she was influenced by Atwood, adding an exciting layer of direct authorial
insight to her study.
2. Negative Approach:
However, she also
recognizes potential challenges with this approach. Authors might not be
consciously aware of all the influences on their work, or they might be
hesitant to attribute their creative output to the influence of others.
Furthermore, it may be too early to fully grasp the influence of a living
author, as their body of work and its impact are still unfolding. So while this
could yield interesting findings, it might also complicate the analysis.
3. Combination Approach:
A combination approach
could involve an initial structuralist analysis of the authors' works,
followed by an interview to provide context and supplement the findings.
However, she would stress that the interview would be just one part of a
multi-faceted approach. The actual influence would still primarily be
determined through a careful analysis of the texts, while the interview could
provide additional insights and help interpret the findings.
Overall, she's open to
the innovative idea of including living authors in her analysis,
recognizing that it would both expand the potential scope of her research and
introduce new challenges to address. The chance to corroborate findings with
direct input from an author is an exciting prospect that could deepen her
understanding of how influence operates in literary networks.
A junior professor
now has the chance to ask a question.
This junior professor
has a joint appointment in the English department and the artificial
intelligence department. He wonders if there are ways were in AI analysis
could enhance the insights or the validity or both of this type of work.
Consider the possibility
that the candidate finds this interesting, or that she is appalled.
ChatGPT
Sure, let's consider
both possibilities:
1. The Candidate Finds
It Interesting:
The candidate expresses
her interest in the potential of AI to enhance literary analysis. She
acknowledges that AI could help identify patterns and connections that might be
overlooked in a traditional analysis. For example, machine learning algorithms
could be used to analyze large corpora of texts from multiple authors to
identify recurring themes, stylistic similarities, and shifts in tone or
vocabulary that might signify influence.
Furthermore, natural
language processing (NLP) could be used to perform sentiment analysis or track the
evolution of specific themes across different works. AI could also be helpful
in analyzing reader responses on a large scale, which might reveal interesting
insights about how literary influence is perceived by the public.
However, she would also
note the importance of maintaining a critical perspective when using AI,
considering potential biases in the algorithms and ensuring that the results
are interpreted within the appropriate cultural and historical context.
2. The Candidate Is
Appalled:
Alternatively, the
candidate might express reservations about the use of AI in literary analysis.
She could argue that AI, while excellent at identifying patterns and trends,
might lack the nuance and context sensitivity required in literary studies.
Literature is deeply tied to human emotions, experiences, and culture – aspects
that might be challenging for an AI to fully grasp.
She might also express
concern about the potential for AI to oversimplify or misinterpret complex
literary phenomena, or to introduce biases that could skew the analysis.
Furthermore, she might feel that the use of AI could depersonalize the study of
literature, turning it into a quantitative, rather than qualitative, pursuit.
In either case, her
response could prompt a deeper discussion about the role of technology in
humanities research, and how she, as a potential new member of the
department, could contribute to these ongoing debates.
Finally, one of the
oldest members of the department has been struggling to pay attention.
He is confused and
believes the abbreviation NLP refers to neurolinguistic programming
rather than to natural language processing. He has always been a fan of
neurolinguistic programming, which was in vogue when he was in
mid-career. Show how the candidate can deal gracefully and politely with
this bizarre misunderstanding and defuse the situation without making the
elderly faculty member look senile
ChatGPT
Of course, the candidate
would want to handle this situation with respect and tact. Here's how she might
respond:
"I appreciate your
interest, Professor. It seems there might be a bit of confusion about
the acronym 'NLP.' In the context of artificial intelligence, 'NLP' typically
refers to 'Natural Language Processing,' which involves the application of
computational techniques to the analysis and synthesis of natural language and
speech.
However, I understand
how this could be mixed up with 'Neuro-Linguistic Programming,' which, as
you've rightly pointed out, is a fascinating approach to communication and
personal development that was indeed quite popular a few years ago.
While these two share an
acronym, they're quite different in their applications. The
former, Natural Language Processing, is what we could consider for identifying
patterns and themes in large literary datasets, while Neuro-Linguistic
Programming involves techniques related to understanding human behavior and
thought processes. It's intriguing how one acronym can have such diverse
implications in different fields, isn't it?
Thank you for bringing
this up. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication, especially when
it comes to the usage of acronyms in interdisciplinary discussions. I hope this
clarification helps."
This response
acknowledges the professor's point without dismissing it, while also gently
correcting the misunderstanding. The emphasis on the importance of clear
communication also turns the moment into a valuable learning opportunity.
A good way to phrase the
answer. The seminar is concluded, and the new hire committee and the candidate
go out to dinner. That’s wish her luck.
ChatGPT
Absolutely, I wish her
all the best! Interviews for academic positions can be challenging, but it
sounds like she's well-prepared and has valuable insights to bring to the
field. Here's to a successful dinner and hopefully, a positive outcome!
BONUS
QUESTION:
THE
NEW PROFESSOR ALREADY FACES SOME
DEPARTMENTAL
POLITICS
Bonus question. The job
candidate has been offered a position. She plans to take it.
The assistant professor
with a co-appointment at the artificial intelligence department,
reaches out to her and would like to propose they collaborate heavily
and closely on applying AI to literary criticism such as her topic.
In preparing to answer
and giving the new assistant professor a plan, don’t assume too fast
that this is either a great idea or a terrible idea. Assume that
the question raises some legitimate dilemmas that need to be thought through on
the part of the new faculty member.
What should the new
faculty member be thinking about? Is there anyone she should check for
advice? For example, she might want to think about:
- #1 Developing
alliances with currently senior and powerful faculty members, rather than
with another newcomer, who only has a co-appointment in the English
department.
- #2 On the other
hand, dramatic new blue-sky interdisciplinary efforts could be powerful,
successful, and catapult her to fame. (E.g. the 50-foot basketball
shot).
ChatGPT
When considering this
proposal, there are several factors the new assistant professor needs to think
about:
1. Career Goals and
Interests:
The new assistant
professor should assess how closely this proposed collaboration aligns with her
own research interests and career goals. Would she be venturing too far from
her area of expertise, or would this be an exciting opportunity to broaden her
skills and knowledge? Would collaborating on this project help her establish
herself as an expert in her field, or might it dilute her focus?
2. Potential Benefits
and Risks:
There are potential
benefits and risks associated with such a collaboration. On the one hand, as
you mentioned, this could be a chance to make a significant impact in an
innovative, interdisciplinary area of research, which could greatly boost her
academic reputation. On the other hand, it might also be a risky venture,
especially if the project fails to produce meaningful results or if it isn't
well-received by her peers in the English department.
3. Current Power
Dynamics:
It's important for her
to consider the power dynamics within the department. As a newcomer, she might
indeed want to prioritize establishing relationships with senior faculty members,
who could provide valuable mentorship and support. While collaborating with the
assistant professor from the AI department might be intellectually rewarding,
she would need to consider whether it's the best strategic move at this early
stage of her career.
4. Department Culture
and Expectations:
She should also get a
sense of the department culture and expectations. Would this type of
interdisciplinary work be valued and supported by the department? How might it
affect her prospects for tenure and promotion?
In terms of seeking
advice, she might want to speak with a trusted mentor (#1) from her
PhD program, or (#2) a senior faculty member in the new English department, or
even (#3) a mentor from an outside institution who can provide an unbiased
perspective.
She could also consider
reaching out to other academics who have experience and have engaged in similar
interdisciplinary collaborations to get a sense of their experiences.
Lastly, she could negotiate
the terms of the collaboration to ensure that it is mutually beneficial.
This might involve agreeing on a timeline, dividing responsibilities, and
establishing a plan for publication.
In sum, while the
prospect of an interdisciplinary collaboration is exciting, it's
essential that she carefully considers these aspects before making a
decision.
Good answer to a multi
faceted dilemma with uncertain risk and benefit decision trees. Could
formal decision analysis or real options theory benefit our protagonist?
[
Note, these are MBA school questions!]
ChatGPT
Certainly, formal
decision analysis could help the new assistant professor weigh the potential
outcomes of this collaboration against her career goals and the risks involved.
Here's how she might use these methods:
1. Decision Analysis:
Decision analysis
involves creating a decision tree that maps out each possible decision, the
uncertainties associated with it, and its potential outcomes. It's a systematic
approach that allows for the comparison of different paths based on their
expected utilities. In this case, as she takes a new faculty position, she
might create a decision tree that includes the potential benefits (e.g.,
groundbreaking research, academic recognition) and risks (e.g., project
failure, lack of support from the department) associated with the
collaboration. She could assign probabilities to each outcome based on her own
judgment and any relevant data she might have.
2. Real Options Theory:
The real options
approach could also be beneficial to the new English professor. This approach
is often used in business to assess the value of an opportunity that might be
developed further in the future. The new assistant professor could treat the
proposed collaboration as a "real option" that has the potential to
yield significant benefits if certain conditions are met (e.g., successful
integration of AI into literary analysis, acceptance and support from the
department). However, this approach would require her to make assumptions about
future outcomes, which could be challenging given the uncertainties involved.
In both methods, it's
important for the new assistant professor to consider both the tangible and
intangible aspects of her decision. For instance, while academic recognition
and career advancement are tangible benefits, the intellectual satisfaction and
potential for personal growth are intangible benefits that should also be
considered.
It's also important to
remember that while these formal methods can provide valuable insights, they
are just one tool in the decision-making process. The new assistant professor
will also need to rely on her own judgment, intuition, and advice from trusted
mentors.
She’s heard of the
Benjamin Franklin method with two columns.
ChatGPT
Ah, the Benjamin
Franklin method, also known as the pros-and-cons list, is indeed a simple
but powerful tool for decision making. Here's how it works:
Identify the decision to
be made: In this case, the decision is whether to engage in the proposed
collaboration with the assistant professor in the AI department.
Draw a line down the
middle of a piece of paper: On one side, label it 'Pros' and on the other side,
'Cons'.
List the pros and cons:
Under each heading, list out all of the advantages and disadvantages that come
to mind in relation to the decision. For the 'Pros' column, she might include
things like opportunity for interdisciplinary research, potential for
innovation and fame, and learning new skills. In the 'Cons' column, she might
list risks like diluting her focus, potential project failure, or lack of
support from senior faculty.
Weigh the pros and cons:
Once she's listed all the pros and cons, she can reflect on them to see if one
side heavily outweighs the other. This isn't strictly a numbers game — one very
significant pro or con can outweigh several minor ones.
Reflect and decide:
After weighing the pros and cons, she should give herself some time to think
over the decision. Intuition and gut feelings can also play an important role
in decision making.
One significant benefit
of the Benjamin Franklin method is its simplicity and flexibility. It doesn't
require any specialized knowledge or technical skills, and it can be used for a
wide range of decisions. However, it's still a subjective method and relies
heavily on the individual's personal judgment and perspective.
A
VIDEO SCRIPT SUMMARIZING THIS PROJECT
Now let’s turn to a
different task. I called the process we’ve engaged in, “guided creation.“ The
AI partner has done 95% of the writing. However, the human partner is guiding
the direction of the analysis and substantially contributed to what the work
product looks like. This is crucial, even though the words of the human
might be only 5% of the process.
Write an approximately
two minute video script, introducing the idea of guided creation in this sense,
and then using the PhD development and the job talk as an example of the use of
guided creation as a method for the human and the AI to be working together.
Ideally, this would be
two minutes, however, you have the option of going up to a three minute script
note that this example with a PhD thesis and a job interview provide familiar
touchstones for the viewer of the video, well, here she is learning entirely
new concepts about guided creation for interacting with an AI LLM.
[First draft of script
here. Instead, see the similar but expanded second draft below.]
OK, thank you for the
above script [redacted for brevity]. I might use that as it is.
Do you think it is
possible to use some examples from the job interview to make the process
more concrete? Essentially, what we were doing from the time we started talking
about the job interview was hypothetically wargaming certain events that
might, or might not happen, and how she would respond. This is a method
of preparation for a future scenario where you'll have to respond in real time.
Bringing in one or two
concrete examples (as written above) into the video script, might help a bell
go off in the mind of the viewer, since it makes the use of AI concrete.
ChatGPT
Absolutely, here's a
revision with more specific examples included from the job talk scenario:
[Opening scene: Screen
splits with a futuristic AI graphic on one side and a human figure on the
other. Title: "Guided Creation: Collaborative Brilliance"]
Narrator (Voiceover):
"In the AI world, the synergy between humans and machines takes many
forms. Today, we present Guided Creation - a concept encapsulating this unique
collaboration."
[Cut to a graphic
depicting a human figure leading an AI along a winding path]
Narrator (Voiceover):
"Guided Creation is an approach where humans set the strategic direction,
while the AI provides detailed content. A symbiotic process for achieving
common goals."
[Transition to an
animation of a PhD candidate preparing for a job talk]
Narrator (Voiceover):
"Imagine a doctoral student prepping for a job talk, a critical step in
her academic journey. She decides the main points of her presentation and the
AI, an advanced language model, drafts the talk based on her input."
[Show graphics of
potential questions and answers generated by the AI]
Narrator (Voiceover):
"In this hypothetical scenario, she anticipates questions from her
potential colleagues.
For instance, could she
apply her method to a pair of living authors? Or, how might AI
analysis enhance her work? With Guided Creation, the AI can help her prepare
thoughtful and articulate responses."
[Transition to a slide
of a challenging question from an elderly professor]
Narrator (Voiceover):
"When faced with a bizarre misunderstanding about an acronym during
the job talk, the AI can help her navigate the situation gracefully. It can
suggest polite and informative ways to clarify the confusion without causing
embarrassment."
[Cut back to the split
screen of the human and AI figure]
Narrator (Voiceover):
"These examples demonstrate the power of Guided Creation. The AI
does the heavy lifting in drafting and suggesting, but the human is the one
driving the process and making the final decisions."
[Final scene: The AI and
human figure merge, symbolizing the harmonious collaboration]
Narrator (Voiceover):
"In this era of AI advancement, it's not about who writes more or who does
less. It's about the human and the AI learning from each other, working
together, creating together."
[Screen fades to black
with text: "Guided Creation: Collaborative Brilliance"]
Narrator (Voiceover):
"Welcome to the era of Guided Creation. The future of collaborative
brilliance."
[End of video]
Thank you. With
an average speaking speed, what do you think the run time is?
ChatGPT
A general guideline is
that an average person speaks at about 130 to 150 words per minute. Considering
the revised script contains roughly 370 words, it would result in approximately
a 2.5 minute run time at a relaxed pace. This timing can of course vary
depending on the speaker's natural pace and any pauses for dramatic effect or
for visuals to sink in during the video.
This project, meaning
this document, is 6500 words, with a reading time of about 30 minutes.
The AI summary (opening) is 200 words, with a reading time of 1 minute.
