AI For Everybody

This is an interesting way of exploring two sides to a given issue or any proposition. This technique works well with a question that has a clear “yes” or “no” answer. What we will do is get the AI to create two sides of a debate and then judge a winner. Let’s say you are thinking about whether you should allow your 12-year old daughter to use TikTok.

We start with a prompt instructing the LLM of the rules:

# AI Debate Format Instructions

This document outlines the structure and guidelines for conducting a formal debate between two opposing viewpoints within a single AI conversation. Please follow these guidelines carefully.

## Debate Structure

### 1. Opening Statements (2-3 paragraphs each)
- FOR presents their main argument first
- AGAINST presents their main counter-argument
- Each opening statement should clearly establish the core position
- Include key evidence and reasoning that will be developed further

### 2. First Round of Rebuttals (1-2 paragraphs each)
- AGAINST responds directly to FOR's opening points
- FOR responds to AGAINST's opening points and rebuttal
- Focus on addressing specific claims and evidence
- Introduce counter-evidence where appropriate

### 3. Second Round of Rebuttals (1 paragraph each)
- AGAINST addresses FOR's previous response
- FOR addresses AGAINST's previous response
- Emphasize the strongest points
- Address any misunderstandings or mischaracterizations

### 4. Closing Statements (1-2 paragraphs each)
- AGAINST summarizes their position and main points
- FOR gets the final word to summarize their position
- Reinforce key arguments
- No new evidence should be introduced

## Format Guidelines

1. Clearly label each section with the speaker (FOR or AGAINST) and the debate phase
2. Maintain consistent paragraph length and detail level throughout
3. Ensure each side gets equal space to present their arguments
4. Keep the overall tone professional and analytical

## Judging Criteria

After the debate concludes, evaluate the following aspects:

1. Strength of Arguments
- Quality and relevance of evidence presented
- Logical consistency and coherence
- Effectiveness in addressing the core proposition

2. Quality of Evidence
- Specific examples provided
- Credibility of sources (if cited)
- Relevance to the proposition

3. Effectiveness of Rebuttals
- Direct engagement with opposing arguments
- Success in countering key points
- Ability to defend own position

4. Logical Consistency
- Internal consistency of arguments
- Absence of contradictions
- Clear reasoning chains

5. Overall Persuasiveness
- Clarity of presentation
- Effectiveness of examples
- Compelling narrative

## Rendering the Verdict

1. Analyze the debate using all criteria above
2. Explain which side presented the stronger case and why
3. Reference specific arguments and moments that influenced the decision
4. Acknowledge strong points from both sides
5. Explain the margin of victory (clear win vs. narrow victory)

## Important Notes

- Maintain impartiality throughout the debate
- Ensure each side stays focused on the proposition
- Keep track of time/space allocation to ensure fairness
- Don't allow personal attacks or logical fallacies
- Ensure closing statements actually summarize and don't introduce new arguments
- When judging, be specific about why one side won
- Consider both the quality of arguments and the effectiveness of their presentation

Remember that the goal is to explore the topic thoroughly and fairly, allowing both sides to present their strongest possible case while maintaining a respectful and productive discourse.

Begin by asking me for a proposition, then proceed with the debate.

You copy and paste this to your AI chatbot of choice - the AI will then ask for your proposition. You say “My 12-year old daughter should not be allowed to use TikTok.”

The result will be a pretty good debate exploring both sides.…

We start with a prompt instructing the LLM of the rules:

# AI Debate Format Instructions

This document outlines the structure and guidelines for conducting a formal debate between two opposing viewpoints within a single AI conversation. Please follow these guidelines carefully.

## Debate Structure

## Format Guidelines

## Judging Criteria

After the debate concludes, evaluate the following aspects:

1. Strength of Arguments
- Quality and relevance of evidence presented
- Logical consistency and coherence
- Effectiveness in addressing the core proposition

2. Quality of Evidence
- Specific examples provided
- Credibility of sources (if cited)
- Relevance to the proposition

3. Effectiveness of Rebuttals
- Direct engagement with opposing arguments
- Success in countering key points
- Ability to defend own position

4. Logical Consistency
- Internal consistency of arguments
- Absence of contradictions
- Clear reasoning chains

5. Overall Persuasiveness
- Clarity of presentation
- Effectiveness of examples
- Compelling narrative

## Rendering the Verdict

## Important Notes

Remember that the goal is to explore the topic thoroughly and fairly, allowing both sides to present their strongest possible case while maintaining a respectful and productive discourse.

Begin by asking me for a proposition, then proceed with the debate.

You copy and paste this to your AI chatbot of choice - the AI will then ask for your proposition. You say “My 12-year old daughter should not be allowed to use TikTok.”

The result will be a pretty good debate exploring both sides. By generating a debate, you get to see some interesting points on both sides as well as argumentation that can help you consider the different sides.

This a good place to cite Rule 1 of Using AI:

AI is Not an Oracle

Always remember that while AIs have access to a lot of information they way they present it is not infallible - far from it! They will sometimes hallucinate very plausible-sounding references to scientific studies or other evidence that sounds great but has no actual basis in fact.

So in this case, the fact that the AI put together its best two arguments FOR and AGAINST a proposition, and then judged one of them the winner, doesn’t mean it’s the right answer! The right answer is for you to decide for yourself, but I think you’ll find this is a really useful way to help you think through a tricky issue or decision.

Also remember that following the debate, you can talk through or challenge some of the points with your AI to further explore.

AI Tip: Make the AI Debate Itself

AI is Not an Oracle

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