Debating AI: Pros, Cons, and Ethical Dilemmas for B2 English

Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?

B2 English Lesson: Discussion, Critical Thinking, and Debate

Lesson Objectives

Analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of Artificial Intelligence.

Learn key B2-level vocabulary related to technology and ethics.

Practice expressing opinions using functional debate language.

Participate in a structured debate on AI regulation.

Warm-Up: The AI Landscape

Look at the image. What words or emotions come to mind? Is this image frightening or exciting to you? Brainstorm 3 adjectives to describe the future of AI.

Key Vocabulary

<strong>Algorithm:</strong> A set of rules to be followed in calculations or problem-solving operations.

<strong>Displacement:</strong> The act of taking over the place or position of someone (e.g., jobs lost to machines).

<strong>Bias:</strong> Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group.

<strong>Autonomous:</strong> Having the freedom to act independently; self-governing.

Idioms for Debate

1. <b>A double-edged sword:</b> Something that has both positive and negative effects.<br><br>2. <b>A slippery slope:</b> A course of action that will lead to something unacceptable, wrong, or disastrous.<br><br>3. <b>To play devil's advocate:</b> To express an opposing opinion in order to provoke debate or test the strength of the opposing arguments.

The 'PROS': Why AI is Good

EFFICIENCY: AI can process data faster than any human, removing heavy workload/drudgery.

HEALTHCARE: Early disease detection (e.g., cancer screening) and robotic surgery precision.

SAFETY: Handling dangerous jobs (bomb disposal, toxic waste cleanup, space exploration).

CONVENIENCE: Personal assistants, navigation apps, and recommendation engines.

Business AI Adoption Rates (2022)

With 77% of companies either using or exploring AI, the technology is becoming unavoidable. This suggests that understanding AI is now a crucial career skill.

The 'CONS': Why AI is Bad

JOB LOSS: Automation puts both blue-collar (manufacturing) and white-collar (coding, writing) jobs at risk.

BIAS & DISCRIMINATION: AI learns from human data, which often contains historical prejudices.

SECURITY RISKS: Deepfakes, automated hacking attacks, and loss of privacy.

DEPENDENCY: Over-reliance on technology may reduce human cognitive abilities.

The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race... It would take off on its own, and re-design itself at an ever increasing rate.

Stephen Hawking

Critical Thinking: The Trolley Problem

Imagine a self-driving car loses its brakes. <br><br><b>Option A:</b> Swerve and hit a barrier, killing the passenger (you).<br><b>Option B:</b> Stay on course and hit 3 pedestrians crossing the street.<br><br><b>Discussion:</b> How should the AI be programmed? Who is responsible for the decision?

Topic 2: Can AI possess true creativity?

Functional Language for Debating

Agreeing

• I couldn't agree more.<br>• That's a valid point.<br>• I'm with you on that.

Disagreeing

• I see it differently.<br>• That’s not necessarily true.<br>• I beg to differ.

Conceding

• I see your point, but...<br>• Admittedly, that is true, however...<br>• While I agree that..., I still think...

Debate Motions

Motion A: "This House believes that AI development should be paused immediately until strict global regulations are in place."

Motion B: "This House believes that AI creative works (art, music, writing) should not be protected by copyright."

Motion C: "This House believes that AI will ultimately solve the climate crisis."

Activity: 5-Minute Debate

1. <b>Preparation (2 mins):</b> In pairs, choose one motion. One person is PRO, one is CON. List 2 strong arguments.<br><br>2. <b>The Face-Off (2 mins):</b> specific argument exchange using functional language.<br><br>3. <b>Review (1 min):</b> Which argument was more convincing?

Lesson Summary

We explored the vocabulary of AI: algorithms, bias, displacement, and autonomy.

We analyzed both sides: Efficiency and Healthcare vs. Job Loss and Security Risks.

We applied critical thinking to ethical dilemmas (The Trolley Problem).

We practiced debating using structured arguments and functional language.

Homework: The Future You

Write a 200-word essay answering this question: "How will Artificial Intelligence change your specific future career in the next 10 years? Will it help you or replace you?" Use at least 3 vocabulary words from today's lesson.