Debate Preparation (with AI) on the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

Debate Preparation on the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis +AI Exploration

Overview: In our Sep 24th class, we will hold a debate on the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, which posits that the structure of a language influences its speakers' thought processes and worldview. You will be divided into two groups: one supporting the hypothesis (the “linguistic determinists”) and one opposing it (the “cognitive universalists”).

Debate side:

Support the hypothesis–Students’ names omitted here

Against the hypothesis– Students’ names omitted here

To prepare for this debate, you will need to research arguments, evidence, and examples supporting your assigned position. In this process, you are encouraged to use AI tools to assist with your research, analysis, and organization of ideas. The debate will be your opportunity to present and defend your position using data, studies, and real-world examples.

[For this assignment, you only need to try one AI platform. However, feel free to explore others to understand the unique strengths and weaknesses of each tool.]

[Effective prompts are the key to successfully using AI. ]

STEPS FOR PREPARATION

Research Using AI Tools:

1. Use AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Google Gemini, Elicit, etc., to gather information about the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis. [If you would like to gain more confidence in the hypothesis, you can refer to this article, which provides an excellent summary. Language and Thought, only that chapter.]
2. Think of at least one key argument by yourself.
3. Ask the AI to summarize key arguments for or against linguistic relativity. Be sure to fact-check the AI’s responses by cross-referencing with academic sources. [Considering the time investment, just cross-reference one argument; use the prompt like “you’ve mentioned XXXXXX, give me one real journal article or academic paper you incorporated, cite it/them accurately.” You just google that article, and sometimes you’ll find AI just made it up.]
4. Come up with your own examples to support/argue against the argument
5. Use AI to generate more examples where language influences perception (supporting the hypothesis) or examples where thought processes are independent of language (opposing the hypothesis).

Gather Evidence:

1. (If you already have your own examples, you can skip this step.) Use AI to help you find real-world examples of how language shapes thought, such as studies on color perception, spatial reasoning, or time orientation.
2. Look for counterexamples where thought seems universal, regardless of language, using AI tools.

Organize Your Argument:

1. Use AI to help structure your arguments. You can ask the AI to generate an outline for your position in the debate.
2. Ensure your argument addresses the following points: For the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: How language influences cognition, evidence from cross-linguistic studies and real-world examples. Against the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Evidence of universal cognitive processes, examples of shared human cognition despite language differences, and potential flaws in linguistic determinism.

HOW TO CROSS-REFERENCE:

For this assignment, you only need to cross-reference one argument. Use an AI tool to help you research, but be mindful of the information it provides. You can use a prompt like:

“You’ve mentioned [XXXXX]. Give me one real journal article or academic paper that supports this claim, and cite it accurately.”

Afterward, Google the article to verify its authenticity. Sometimes AI might generate a citation that doesn’t exist, so be sure to double-check and ensure the source is real.

Remember, this is a great opportunity to practice critically engaging with AI and confirming the reliability of the information you find.

PADLET SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Bullet points are good enough; consider this as your debate preparation.

1. Summarize Your Understanding: Briefly summarize what you’ve learned about the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis with the help of AI.
2. List Your Arguments: Post at least three main arguments you plan to make. Clearly label which arguments are your own thinking and which were generated or assisted by AI.
3. Language Facts and Evidence: Share examples or language facts. Include both: (a) Your own examples or observations. (b) Examples provided by AI.
4. Cross-Reference Experience: Reflect on the fact-checking process. Indicate which pieces of information you cross-referenced and whether the AI-generated citation or source was accurate or not.
5. (In class) Collaborate with Your Team: Use collaborative AI tools like Google Docs with integrated AI suggestions to work together as a team in organizing your arguments and creating rebuttals. Create a shared document where each team member contributes AI-assisted research and ideas. Use AI features to review each other's contributions and refine your points.
6. (In class) Prepare for Rebuttals: Anticipate the opposing team’s arguments by asking AI tools to simulate the opposing position. This will help you prepare effective rebuttals. Have AI help you generate counterarguments to weaken the other team’s points.

Tips for Success:

• Use AI wisely: While AI can help you gather information and organize ideas, it’s essential to critically evaluate the quality and reliability of the information. Always cross-check AI-generated content with scholarly sources.
• Be persuasive: Your goal is not just to present information but to make a compelling case for your position. Focus on the most convincing evidence and anticipate counterarguments.
• Engage critically: Remember, the purpose of this debate is to think critically about the relationship between language and thought. Be prepared to challenge the assumptions and ideas presented by the opposing team.