Can ChatGPT Accurately Teach Ancient Chinese Philosophy?
SPOILER: Meh
SPOILER: Meh
With the rise of large language model-based AI bots such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Bing AI (which is just ChatGPT with more features and restrictions), I was immediately curious how closely AI can write about my favorite topic - Taoism.
I’ve been studying Taoism for five years and while I’m not an expert or a scholar, my friends would say I know some stuff. I’ve studied under a number of different Taoist teachers, led different online Taoist groups, and of course read and listened to everything I could get my hands on.
So, I’m interested to see what ChatGPT can teach learners.
The Prompt
The Taoist religion is over 2,500 years old and I suspect the AI will be fairly accurate in its results. While I believe there is always new insight to gain from ancient text, I’m sure generalizing it can be easier especially for a large language model like ChatGPT which pulls sentence fragments from various sources.
Here is the writing prompt I entered into ChatGPT:
There is a popular blog called thetaoistonline.org. This website teaches is a philosophy blog that specializes in spiritualism, philosophy, and taoism. Write a list of the top 10 most important concepts about Taoism. Explain each point in detail. The entire article should be over 1500 words long.
In this article, I’ll analyze the first five concepts and then come back next week to look at the last five.
Let’s get started.
1. Tao (The Way)
The Tao, or “The Way,” is the central concept in Taoism. It is an indescribable force that permeates the universe, essentially the natural, eternal, spontaneous, and ever-changing process of existence. Tao is the origin of everything and the ultimate reality behind the universe. It is both the way that nature works and the path that humans should follow to lead a fulfilling and balanced life.
I mostly like this answer. The best line is “an indescribable force.” This is important because the first line of the Tao Te Ching is “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.” Simply put, indescribable. How can a man-made word describe something which must be felt?
For example, a Tree is not a “tree.” It is in fact, indescribable. The tree did not come with a word, we had to create it. That word, by definition, comes with limitations. So, too, is the Tao. A limitless and unimaginable thing, we can not define or describe it.
ChatGPT score = A
2. Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang represent the dualistic nature of reality. They are interconnected and interdependent forces that maintain the balance of the universe. Yin is the passive, feminine force represented by darkness, cold, softness, and receptivity. Yang, on the other hand, is the active, masculine force represented by light, warmth, hardness, and activity. Taoism teaches that harmony and balance in life are achieved by recognizing and balancing these opposing yet complementary forces.
This answer is either too short, or just not descriptive enough for me. Everything it says is correct, yet I feel it’s missing the point. Perhaps my own interpretation is too different, but for me, the description leaves out the motion. A ying yang isn’t a picture of stationary opposing forces. Instead, it’s a circling dance. A push and pull of natural forces. When two people are dancing, one will lead and the other will follow, yet soon the other must yield as they reach the end of the floor, the end of the move, or the end of the dance. No one and nothing can be in total control forever. This is the yin yang.
ChatGPT score = B-
3. Wu Wei (Non-Action)
Wu Wei, or “Non-Action,” does not mean inaction but rather ‘action without force’ or ‘effortless action.’ It is about going with the natural flow of things, not against them. Wu Wei suggests that individuals should act in a way that is spontaneous and unforced, just like nature itself. This principle encourages Taoists to align their actions with the Tao, leading to efficiency and fulfillment.
I love this answer the most out of the first five concepts. Whenever I research wu wei, or read others description, I find translations such as “action without action” or simply “non-action” which I immediately don’t agree.
Many new learners use wu wei to stop themselves from doing what comes naturally and to sit there while the world passes by. But, in ChatGPT’s response, the more open definition of “effortless action” is used. This opens yourself up to performing tasks and setting goals as long as you don’t force them to occur.
For example, as basketball player can experience wu wei when shooting a game winning shot. Michael Jordan described it as “being in the zone” to playboy magazine in 1998. Michael didn’t sit there and allow someone else to take the game. He didn’t close his eyes and throw the ball with just pray some magical force moved the ball in the direction. Instead, he had perfect and total control over his body and shot. For that moment, he was perfect in balance with his universe and the universe was in balance with him. That is true wu wei.
ChatGPT Score = A+
4. Ziran (Spontaneity)
Ziran translates to “self-so,” “so of itself,” or “spontaneity.” It is closely linked to the concept of Wu Wei. Ziran expresses the idea that things in their natural state, allowed to grow and change spontaneously, express the Tao. For humans, it means being authentic and true to one’s nature.
I remember learning the concept of Ziran for the first time. My teacher called it “spontaneousness.” While ChatGPT’s answer might miss some of the historical context, I feel it does a pretty good job getting the point across. Ziran speaks to the idea that an objects natural, untouched, unmodified state brings it more in line with how it was created. In other words, closer to Tao. For example, a tree might grow twisted, but it is so because it needed the sunlight and twisting was how it could get the light. Another way I like to describe it is “go with the flow.”
Ziran is the idea I struggle with the most because it seems to go against how I live my life, which is to say, I’m a planner. I plan my events, my afternoons, and my vacations. I’m early to everything all the time and it drives my wife crazy. She is much more in tune with Ziran. She lived most of her 20's in a constant Ziran state especially when it came to her social circle. But, living true to your nature doesn’t always mean spontenaty all the time. It does, however, mean you need to be open to the subject of change and not let random events throw off your entire emotional state.
ChatGPT Grade = B+
5. Three Treasures (Sanbao)
The Three Treasures in Taoism are compassion, frugality, and humility. Compassion implies understanding and empathizing with all beings. Frugality signifies simplicity and satisfaction with what one has, while humility involves recognizing one’s insignificance in the grandeur of the universe. Taoism urges followers to embrace these virtues for a harmonious life.
The three treasures seem straight forward and simple. In a way, they can be easy - just three words. Yet, practically speaking, the three treasures are complex.
The treasures are first mentioned in Tao Te Ching chapter 67. As with all translations, the devil is in the details. The third treasure listed above as “humility” is actually a six-character phrase in Chinese. A more accurate translation is, “daring not to be ahead of others” (Feng & English). Yes, this can be summarized as humility on a general level, but it’s a slippery slope when you combine words just to make more words and it doesn’t sit well with me to say, humility. When it comes to my personal beliefs, I want details and not generalizations.
ChatGPT Score - B+
Overall, I feel ChatGPT was as good as I expected. Had I asked for a longer article length, it might have been able to give the more nuanced details I found missing. However, Taoism is a subjective belief system, at least in its most basic, philosophical, form.
Taoists allow reinterpretations so that others can find their own path. So perhaps allowing AI to be ‘kind of wrong’ is the most Taoist thing I can do.
In my next article, I will analyze the last five concepts and then give my opinion on the future of AI as a religious resource. I hope you join me!
Overall Score for First Five: A-
