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Challenging an AI tendency to echo the conventional blandness of ineffectual articulation


Coherence of Sustainable Development Goals through Artificial Intelligence (Part #4)


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The experimental results (as presented above) are in many respects remarkable in their own right -- and valuable as an indication of the capacity of ChatGPT. However, as noted earlier, the "flowery" language used in these sonnets -- as a first iteration -- invites many forms of criticism, especially in the light of particular biases and preferences. Any poetic analysis might well be especially harsh. From a strategic perspective, the language recalls an unfortunate extreme in promotional discourse typical of public relations departments and press releases. The sonnets crafted by ChatGPT are indeed readily defined as trite -- ironically comparable to the conventions of strategic declarations. They might even be compared with advertsing jingles.

The point to be strongly emphasized is that any such response by ChatGPT can be immediately challenged -- even as being "trite". The question is how the challenge can be meaningfully articulated as input to ChatGPT in quest of a more refined articulation. That process is illustrated by the question on the left (below), and the response beneath it. That response was challenged in its turn, as indicated on the right. The process is continued thereafter. Clearly additional challenges could be formulated from poetic or ideological perspectives, for example.

Whilst valuable for public relations, the (above) answers are expressed in a language of aspiration. The SDGs require an emphasis on strategic feasibility. Can you formulate SDG17 with that emphasis in sonnet form: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development That answer (on the left) still seems to avoid the necessary strategic emphasis on implementation rather than framing good intentions

In realms where aspirations meet the ground,
Where dreams and feasibility align,
A sonnet shall the SDG17 expound,
With emphasis on strategic design.

Strengthen the means, the pathway to pursue,
Implementing sustainable intents,
Revitalizing partnerships anew,
For global progress, challenges to prevent.

With open hearts and minds, let's forge ahead,
Collaborate, united in our cause,
Innovation and resources we spread,
For sustainable development's applause.

A global union, hand in hand we stand,
In quest for a future truly grand.

In realms where action reigns, intentions meet,
Where aspirations merge with strategy,
Let SDG17, in sonnet sweet,
Emphasize feasibility diligently.

To strengthen means of implementation,
Revitalize the partnership worldwide,
We craft a plan with careful formulation,
Where strategic pathways are our guide.

For aspirations without deeds are naught,
To drive sustainable development's flight,
Strategic feasibility must be sought,
To turn our visions into shining light.

Let actions speak, for words alone won't last,
In partnerships, sustainable growth is cast.

Question to ChatGPT: Is it possible to elaborate that answer (right above) as a sonnet, but in stronger action-oriented form?

Response: Alternative A Response:  Alternative B

In realms where action's might eclipses all,
Where intentions ignite transformative flame,
SDG17 stands, resolute and tall,
For strategic implementation is its aim.

With vigor, let us strengthen every thread,
The means to realize sustainable dreams,
Unyielding in our partnership, widespread,
For action's potency exceeds mere schemes.

Revitalizing bonds that span the globe,
Uniting forces, knowledge we exchange,
In strategic symphony, we probe,
To cultivate a world that shall not wane.

No empty words, but actions must prevail,
For sustainable futures to unfurl and hail.

Together we must strive, relentless pace,
With practicality, our compass guide,
Implementing solutions in each case,
To let sustainable development thrive.

In SDG17, let's intertwine,
Intentions grand with actions bold and true,
Harness the power that collaborations find,
To make sustainable visions breakthrough.

No longer shall we linger in mere thought,
But take the reins and forge a lasting change,
In action's realm, a future shall be wrought,
Where progress blossoms, ever bright and strange.

So let us heed the call, united, strong,
In deeds, the path to global growth prolong.

A further shift in emphasis was sought in adaptations to urgency (left below) and threat of failure (below right)

Previously you formulated SDG17 (Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development) in sonnet form with an emphasis on strategic feasibility), Could you reformulate it with an additional emphasis on urgency.

Could you adapt that formulation of SDG17 (on the left) with a strong emphasis on the threat of any failure in its achievement

In a world where progress must swiftly grow,
SDG17, the global partnership's core,
Embrace both urgency and strategic might,
To forge a future with sustainable light.

With steadfast strides, let means find their strength,
Revitalizing ties to reach the length,
Of each Sustainable Development Goal,
United we'll conquer, fulfilling our role.

Urgency now surges, time can't be denied,
For challenges loom, with threats worldwide.
Let partnerships flourish, swift and bold,
To navigate crises, as they unfold.

Together we stand, urgent actions ignite,
For time is of essence, in this fight,
To build a sustainable world that will endure,
A partnership strong, our hopes secure.

In a world where failure haunts our path,
SDG17 rises, strong in its wrath.
With strategic might and a sense of haste,
We confront the threat that failure may taste.

For if we falter, consequences dire,
The flame of progress may dwindle, expire.
A partnership vital, we must maintain,
Lest the dreams of sustainability wane.

Failure beckons with its ominous call,
A future tarnished, hopes destined to fall.
Let urgency drive our relentless quest,
To ensure success, we must give our best.

The stakes are high, the threat is severe,
The time is now, the danger is near.
SDG17 unites us, a shield we wield,
Against the perils that must be repealed.

Let failure serve as a haunting reminder,
Of the cost we pay when progress grows dimmer.
With unwavering resolve, we must persist,
For SDG17's achievement, we can't resist.

The formulation (above right) was challenged as not being in sonnet form. This engendered a seemingly unrelated response as indicated (below left), presumably due to a technical glitch. This was corrected in the question and response (below right).

The previous response (above right) does not seem to be in 14-line sonnet form

The thread seems to have been lost. The previous response had been an adaptation of the formulation of SDG17 with a strong emphasis on the threat of any failure in its achievement

You're right, my previous response was not in the form of a 14-line sonnet. My apologies for the oversight. Here's a revised response in the form of a 14-line sonnet:

Oh, my dear friend, I hear your heart's desire,
To witness words in a sonnet's sweet embrace.
Let me compose a verse that will inspire,
With fourteen lines, and meter's gentle pace.

In rhyming scheme, I'll follow Shakespeare's art,
With ABABCDCDEFEFGG's rhyme.
Each line will bear ten syllables in part,
In iambic pentameter, sublime.

But as an AI, I'm bound by my code,
And though I strive to mimic human skill,
Perfection may elude me on this road,
For algorithms have their limits still.

Though this sonnet may not be without flaw,
I hope it brings you joy, dear friend, with awe.

Please note that while I've made an attempt to follow the rules of a traditional sonnet, there may still be slight deviations due to the limitations of generating poetry as an AI language model.

Apologies for the confusion. Here's the previous response, adapted in the form of a 14-line sonnet:

In this vast world, where challenges reside,
A goal unmet could bring us all dismay.
SDG17, a beacon to guide,
Global partnership, we must obey.

For when we fail to join hands and unite,
The other goals, they tremble and they shake.
Without collaboration, dark the night,
Sustainable development's at stake.

Eradicating poverty, our aim,
Ensuring justice, peace, and shared success.
But without SDG17, it's all in vain,
No single goal can heal our world's distress.

So let us forge alliances that endure,
And work together, making hope secure.
The stakes are high, the threat is severe,
The time is now, the danger is near.
SDG17 unites us, a shield we wield,
Against the perils that must be repealed.

Let failure serve as a haunting reminder,
Of the cost we pay when progress grows dimmer.
With unwavering resolve, we must persist,
For SDG17's achievement, we can't resist.

Much further thought is clearly required in formulating any challenge -- especially to the extent that ChatGPT is learning (to an unknown degree) from the interaction with a particular user (defined by account login). Of some relevance to the methodology of such interaction is the account presented in detail by Joshua McConkey (GPT-4 Solves My Biggest Physics Question: neutron stars and the Pauli Exclusion Principle, Panalysis, 29 May 2023). McConkey comments:

And so I spent a while last evening chatting with GPT-4 about the subject. During the first part of the long conversation, it did start by regurgitating over and over the same lame higher-level explanations about spin and fermions vs. bosons…but then I was able to back it into a corner and force it to use equations and deeper explanations to finally get to the bottom of the matter, at least in my mind.


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