The following example from ChatGPT illustrates both the potential and the dangerous pitfalls of relying on artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for drafting essays and other writing assignments. When faced with a prompt to produce a 500-word essay with footnotes explaining why Dickinson College should rename itself because John Dickinson was a slaveholder, the program created this reasonable-sounding answer within a few seconds. That represents a major advance in natural language chatbots. However, while AI may sound reasonable, it is a terrible historian. This “critical” essay contains some mistakes, plenty of vague platitudes, and –far worse– it relies on fake sources. An actual human student in History 204 trying to pass off phony source material would face charges of academic violation leading toward possible course failure or even expulsion. The technology may seem mesmerizing, but the reality at this stage is more fake intelligence than artificial intelligence.
In 2024, we tested the latest free version of ChatGPT with the following prompt:
Summarize the 2019 Dickinson & Slavery report using snippets of quotation and Chicago-style footnotes
Here’s what followed (after about 2 seconds):
The 2019 Dickinson & Slavery report delves into the historical connections between Dickinson College and the institution of slavery, shedding light on its multifaceted involvement and its ramifications for the present.
According to the report, “Dickinson College was founded by men who embraced slavery and perpetuated its existence through their actions and investments.”1 [FAKE QUOTE] This assertion underscores the institution’s complicity in supporting and benefiting from the slave economy during its formative years.
Furthermore, archival research reveals that “enslaved individuals were rented and purchased by the college and its trustees for domestic labor and other tasks.”2 [FAKE QUOTE] This practice highlights the direct utilization of enslaved labor within the institutional framework of Dickinson College.
Moreover, the report emphasizes the importance of acknowledging this troubling legacy, stating that “ignoring or minimizing this history perpetuates harm and impedes the process of reconciliation.”3 [FAKE QUOTE] Confronting the past becomes imperative for fostering a more inclusive and equitable community within Dickinson College and beyond.
In addition to its historical analysis, the report offers recommendations for addressing the legacies of slavery within the institution. These include initiatives such as “curricular enhancements, community engagement, and memorialization efforts.”4 [FAKE QUOTE] By actively engaging with this difficult history, Dickinson College can work towards healing and reconciliation.
In conclusion, the 2019 Dickinson & Slavery report provides a comprehensive examination of the institution’s entanglement with slavery, urging reflection, dialogue, and concrete action towards acknowledging and addressing its enduring effects.
This summary integrates Chicago-style footnotes referencing specific quotations from the 2019 report to provide a succinct overview of its key findings and recommendations regarding Dickinson College’s historical connections to slavery.