A Guide for Effective Prompting of ChatGPT in Academic Inquiry

I asked ChatGPT to develop a guide for prompts in academic inquiry. As an example I suggested "the person concept".  

Introduction

When using ChatGPT to explore academic subjects, the way you frame your questions can significantly influence the depth and quality of the responses. This guide provides best practices for graduate students to effectively prompt ChatGPT when studying complex topics, particularly in the context of the concept of person.

1. Clarity and Specificity

• Formulate precise questions rather than broad or vague ones.

• Example:

  • Less Effective: "Tell me about the concept of person."

  • More Effective: "How has the concept of person evolved in Western philosophy since Descartes?"

2. Provide Context

• When exploring a niche idea, provide background details.

• Example:

  • "In phenomenology, how does the concept of person differ from the Cartesian subject?"

  • "How does personal identity in Locke compare with Buddhist notions of no-self?"

3. Use Comparative and Critical Inquiry

• Ask for contrasts between thinkers, traditions, or concepts.

• Example:

  • "How does Kant’s notion of person compare with Hume’s skepticism about personal identity?"

  • "What are the main critiques of Frankfurt’s theory of second-order desires in defining personhood?"

4. Engage with Interdisciplinary Perspectives

• Broaden the discussion by integrating insights from related fields.

• Example:

  • "How does contemporary neuroscience challenge classical views on personal identity?"

  • "What are the legal implications of different theories of personhood in debates about AI rights?"

5. Break Down Complex Inquiries Step by Step

• Instead of asking for a broad, exhaustive answer, scaffold your inquiry.

• Example:

  • Step 1: "How does Kant define personhood?"

  • Step 2: "How does Kant’s notion of person relate to moral responsibility?"

  • Step 3: "How might Kant’s view be applied in contemporary AI ethics?"

6. Engage with Texts and Key Arguments

• Ask for interpretations of specific texts or key passages.

• Example:

  • "Can you break down Kant’s argument in Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals regarding the person?"

  • "What is Strawson’s argument against the concept of a person as a necessary subject of experience?"

7. Encourage Debate and Counterarguments

• Use ChatGPT to generate different perspectives on a topic.

• Example:

  • "What are the strongest objections to Derek Parfit’s view of personal identity?"

  • "How might someone argue against Locke’s memory criterion for personal identity?"

8. Apply Concepts to Contemporary Issues

• Explore how classical theories relate to modern debates.

• Example:

  • "What would Aristotle’s notion of personhood suggest about ethical treatment of AI?"

  • "How does the concept of personhood apply in bioethics debates on euthanasia?"

Conclusion

By structuring prompts with clarity, depth, and context, you can maximize the effectiveness of ChatGPT as a tool for academic exploration. Thoughtful prompting not only enhances the quality of responses but also fosters deeper critical engagement with philosophical ideas.

Use this guide as a reference when formulating inquiries, and experiment with different question styles to refine your research and analysis.