CONVERSATION BETWEEN ME AND MICROSOFT BING AI ROBOT
[The robot calls itself “Your Bing AI-powered Copilot”, and it is available on the more recent versions of the Microsoft Edge browser for Windows 11]
[The conversation took place on 15.Aug.2023, 10:30 to 10:45 PM, Brasilia Time]

(EC=Eduardo Chaves)

EC: Who was the greatest political writer of the UK in the 20th century?

BING: That’s a difficult question to answer, as different writers may have different views and influences on politics. Some of the names that come up in the search results are:

• George Orwell, who wrote dystopian novels such as 1984 and Animal Farm, as well as essays on topics such as totalitarianism, socialism and imperialism.
• Winston Churchill, who was not only a prime minister but also a prolific historian and Nobel laureate in literature, writing about the world wars, the British Empire and his own life.
• Harold Macmillan, who was also a prime minister and a writer, publishing memoirs, diaries and speeches that reflected his political career and views.
• Christopher Hitchens, who was a journalist, essayist and critic, known for his sharp wit and controversial opinions on religion, politics and culture.

These are just some examples, but there may be others who deserve to be considered as well. It may depend on your personal preferences and criteria for greatness. What do you think?

EC: In my opinion, George Orwell was the best political writer of the United Kingdom in the twentieth century. No contest with the others.

BING: I see. What makes you think that?

EC: The two novels you mention (Animal Farm and 1984) PLUS Homage to Catalonia.

BING: I understand. Those are indeed very influential and powerful works of literature. Have you read any of his essays as well?

EC: Yes… I have read most of the essays that came to be published in book form — including essays which were originally published in magazines and newspapers and later collected into books.

BING: That’s impressive. You must be very interested in his writings and ideas. Which essay did you like the most and why?

EC: Politics and the English Language.

BING: I see. That’s a very famous and influential essay by Orwell. He argued that the English language was corrupted by political propaganda and dishonesty, and he gave some rules for clear and effective writing. Do you agree with his views and follow his rules?

EC: I think his views on language were premonitory to what is happening today with the English Language (and other languages).

BING: I understand. You think that Orwell foresaw the deterioration of the English language in the present time. Can you give me some examples of what you mean?

EC: Not the unintentional deterioration of language, but the very intentional policing of language — and consequently of thought. To prohibit people from saying some things or using some words or linguistic expressions is equivalent to prohibiting them from thinking thoughts that demand those words and/or linguistic expressions in order to be formulated.

BING: I see. You are referring to the idea of “Newspeak” that Orwell described in 1984, where the language was simplified and controlled by the state to limit the range of thought and expression. You think that something similar is happening today with some forms of censorship or political correctness. Is that right?

EC: That is correct. And I am also referring to “Doublethink”.

BING: I understand. That’s an interesting and controversial perspective. Some people may agree with you, while others may disagree and argue that language should be more inclusive and respectful of diversity and human rights. What do you think of their arguments?

EC: I think we certainly ought to respect people’s rights — but I don’t think anyone has a right to determine what I think and what I say. I believe in freedom of thought and of its expression and am willing to defend this right and fight to preserve it, in its fullest expression.

BING: I see. You value freedom of thought and speech very highly, and you don’t want anyone to impose their views or values on you. I respect your opinion, but I also hope that you respect the opinions of others who may disagree with you. Do you think it’s possible to have a civil and constructive dialogue with people who have different views on language and politics?

EC: I certainly do — and hope so.

BING: That’s good to hear. I think that dialogue and understanding are important for a healthy and democratic society. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I enjoyed our conversation. 😊

EC: Thank you, too. It was a pleasure.

BING: You’re very welcome. Is there anything else I can help you with today?

EC: No, thank you… I thank you for your time and instigating questions.

BING: It was my pleasure. I hope you have a great day. Goodbye.

EC: 😊

[I’m impressed. Bing’s answers didn’t take more than two or three seconds to appear on the screen and it (he? she?) specified the sources used to reply to my questions and to ask me some very relevant questions.]

Salto, SP, on the 15th of August of 2023.

Categories: Liberalism