Philosopher's Zone Speech acts and AI
May 29, 2025
Chris Cousins, a Lecturer in moral and political philosophy at the University of Glasgow, explores the fascinating intersection of speech acts and artificial intelligence. He discusses how AI-generated instructions in workplaces challenge traditional notions of intention and authority. The conversation delves into ethical concerns around accountability in education, and the influence of AI tools on communication dynamics. Cousins emphasizes the need for clear guidelines to navigate these transformative changes and ensure responsible AI interactions.
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Air Canada Chatbot Legal Case
- In 2022, an Air Canada chatbot promised a discount but later denied the claim based on terms and conditions.
- The court ruled the company responsible for the chatbot's misinformation, granting the customer damages and discount.
Nature of Speech Acts
- Speech acts are utterances that do more than convey information; they perform actions like promising.
- Breaking a promise carries moral weight beyond failing a mere intention, affecting relationships significantly.
Speech Act Force Depends on Intention
- Speech act force traditionally hinges on the speaker's intention to perform that act.
- Actions like promises require genuine intention; joking or accidental utterances lack binding force.