Anna Kaczynski
Professor Sadie Barham
ENGL 101: Composition and Rhetoric
15 April 2024
How far should humans be allowed to proceed with artificial intelligence?
i. Introduction
A. Interest-catcher that relates to your thesis (Hook):
1. Technology advances at an unprecedented rate, and the ethical implications of
pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI) have become
increasingly contentious.
B. Sentence that connects your interest-catcher to your thesis (Transition sentence):
1. In this context, the question arises: how far should humans be allowed to
proceed with artificial intelligence?
C. Thesis
1. While some argue for strict limitations on AI development due to concerns
about its potential dangers, others advocate for unrestricted progress to
harness its full potential. However, a balanced approach that prioritizes safety,
ethical considerations, and accountability can provide common ground.
Therefore, humans should be allowed to advance artificial intelligence within
limits that ensure safety, transparency, and accountability.
ii. Addressing the Opposing Argument
A. Explain the argument that opposes yours:
1. Opponents of advancing artificial intelligence argue that the rapid
development of AI poses significant risks to humanity, including job
displacement, loss of privacy, and potential existential threats.
B. Specific example(s), facts(s), etc. that support the opposition. Use appropriately
cited quotes, paraphrases, or summaries:
1. “Daron Acemoglu, an MIT economist, provides compelling evidence for the
role automation, robots, and algorithms that replace tasks done by human
workers have played in slowing wage growth and worsening inequality in the
US. In fact, he says, 50 to 70% of the growth in US wage inequality between
1980 and 2016 was caused by automation.” (Rotman)
2. “In recent years, however, some industrialized countries have faced the
dilemma of declining income from labour and the slow growth of total labour
productivity while applying AI on a large scale.” (Shen and Zhang)
iii. Addressing the Opposing Argument
A. Explain the argument that opposes yours:
1. Critics also express apprehension about the ethical implications of AI,
emphasizing the need for caution and ethical oversight in its development
B. Specific example(s), facts(s), etc. that support the opposition. Use appropriately
cited quotes, paraphrases, or summaries:
1. “Nevertheless, AI applications are not all smooth sailing. It is crucial to
understand potential risks and hazards that come with this new technology.”
(D’Antonoli)
2. “While an increasing effort is being made to develop guidelines for
implementing and operating AI, prior studies lack a comprehensive
and risk-oriented perspective (Cath, Wachter, Mittelstadt, Taddeo,
& Floridi, 2018; Taddeo & Floridi, 2018), such as postulated
recently by a number of scholars (Linkov et al., 2018).” (Wirtz et al.)
.
iv. Demonstrate understanding- This paragraph is where you should demonstrate the
validity of the opposing view.
A. Introduce the validity of the opposing view:
1. Acknowledging the risks and ethical concerns associated with the rapid
advancement of artificial intelligence is valid. Risks include societal
inequalities, loss of privacy, and potential misuse of AI technologies.
B. Specific example(s), facts(s), etc. that support the opposition. Use appropriately
cited quotes, paraphrases, or summaries:
1. “Big Tech's unregulated roll-out out of experimental AI poses risks to the
achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with
particular vulnerability for developing countries.” (Rotman, “How to Solve
AI’s Inequality Problem”)
2. “As artificial intelligence evolves, it magnifies the ability to use personal
information in ways that can intrude on privacy interests by raising analysis of
personal information to new levels of power and speed. Sentence or sentences
explaining the possible validity of the opposing view:” (Kerry)
3. Critics' concerns about AI's risks are grounded in legitimate ethical
considerations, and it is crucial to address these concerns in the development
and deployment of AI technologies.
C. Demonstrate that, to some degree, you find agreement with the opposition:
1. To that end, it is reasonable to argue that sometimes it is better to exercise
caution and restraint, especially when the potential consequences are
uncertain or potentially harmful.
v. Make Your Argument
A. Explain your position:
1. While there are valid concerns surrounding the advancement of artificial
intelligence, the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Embracing AI
technology within ethical boundaries can significantly improve various
aspects of human life, including healthcare, transportation, and education.
2. In addition to the potential benefits in healthcare and transportation, the
integration of artificial intelligence across various industries can drive
economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Embracing AI technologies
can lead to the development of new industries, the streamlining of processes,
and the creation of high-skilled employment opportunities
B. Examples, quotes, and brief analysis that supports your claim:
1. Jeff Headd, Vice President of Commercial Data Science Janssen North
America Business Technology, says, “Using the latest innovations in AI and
machine learning (ML), we are able to quickly analyze these vast datasets
(including electronic medical records, lab results or even medical imaging like
X-rays, MRIs and CT scans), uncover new insights and then drive actions
with real potential to improve patient outcomes.”
2. “Several Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
applications have been developed to address safety problems and
improve efficiency of transportation systems.” (Tselentis et al.)
C. Provide a sentence or sentences that offer your analysis
1. By leveraging AI in healthcare, we can enhance patient outcomes and alleviate
the burden on healthcare systems, ultimately saving lives and improving
quality of life.
2. Similarly, AI-powered transportation systems can reduce carbon emissions
and improve urban mobility, leading to a more sustainable and accessible
environment for all.
3. Moreover, the creation of new job opportunities in AI-related fields can help
mitigate concerns about job displacement, as workers can reskill and
transition to roles that complement and collaborate with AI systems.
D. Transition to the next paragraph (or conclusion if no more paragraphs are
needed):
1. Through effective regulation at the government level and stringent peer-
review and study approval processes at the research level, genetic
modification of humans can be done safely, humanely, and with dignity.
vi. Demonstrate the Benefit of Your Argument (Conclusion)
1. Considering the multifaceted benefits of AI adoption, it is essential to foster an
environment that encourages responsible innovation, collaboration, and continuous
learning to maximize the potential of artificial intelligence for the betterment of society.
A. Sentences demonstrating how your argument can find common ground and why
opponents would benefit from accepting your position:
1. Acknowledging AI's potential benefits while addressing concerns can lead to a
collaborative approach that maximizes its advantages while mitigating risks.
B. Restate your key points and conclude the essay:
1. By adopting a balanced approach that prioritizes ethical guidelines and
responsible innovation, we can harness artificial intelligence's transformative
potential for the betterment of humanity.
Works Cited
D’Antonoli, Tugba Akinci. “Ethical Considerations for Artificial Intelligence: An Overview of
the Current Radiology Landscape.” Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, vol. 26, no.
5, 23 July 2020, https://doi.org/10.5152/dir.2020.19279.
---. “How to Solve AI’s Inequality Problem.” MIT Technology Review, 19 Apr. 2022,
www.technologyreview.com/2022/04/19/1049378/ai-inequality-problem/.
Johnson & Johnson. “Homepage.” Content Lab - U.S., 2024, www.jnj.com/.
Rotman, David. “How to Solve AI’s Inequality Problem.” MIT Technology Review, 19 Apr.
2022, www.technologyreview.com/2022/04/19/1049378/ai-inequality-problem/.
Shen, Yang, and Xiuwu Zhang. “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment: The Role
of Virtual Agglomeration.” Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, vol. 11,
no. 1, 18 Jan. 2024, pp. 1–14, www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-02647-9,
https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-02647-9.
Tselentis, Dimitrios I., et al. “The Usefulness of Artificial Intelligence for Safety Assessment of
Different Transport Modes.” Accident Analysis & Prevention, vol. 186, 1 June 2023, p.
107034, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457523000817,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2023.107034.
