Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Ethical Exploration: An Approach to Enhancing Student Debate Skills

Abstract: In the quest to deepen understanding and engagement with bioethical dilemmas, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for debate presents a novel educational strategy. This presentation details an initiative by a Bioethics Club at a religious higher education institution, where members utilized two distinct AI platforms, ChatGPT and Google Bard, to explore and debate the ethical implications of physician assisted death in terminally ill patients. This activity served not only as a dynamic method to enhance members' debate skills but also as a platform to uncover the diverse spectrum of arguments within this bioethical issue. By facilitating AI-driven debates, club members were directly involved in the iterative process of presenting arguments and counterarguments, thereby enabling a deeper dive into ethical reasoning and perspectives. This innovative approach provided a safe and engaging environment for students to confront complex ethical issues, evaluate different viewpoints, and refine their argumentation techniques. The session will cover the setup, execution, and reflections from participants, underscoring the value of integrating AI into bioethics education to foster critical thinking, ethical sensitivity, and debate proficiency. Feedback from participants suggests this methodology significantly contributes to a more nuanced understanding of bioethical issues and prepares students for more effective participation in competitive debate settings.

Annie Wilson – Undergraduate BS Medical Molecular Biology Student, Biology and Chemistry, Oral Roberts University; Dominic Carrano – Undergraduate BS Medical Molecular Biology Student, Biology and Chemistry, Oral Roberts University