Artificial Intelligence (A School Debate)

Debate Argument: Using computers to replace humans. Are the goals of AI ethical? Who should be held responsible for the actions of an intelligent agent? 

(Negative Side Response)

"The prospect of using computers to replace humans raises ethical concerns that demand careful consideration. While advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) may seem enticing, we must critically assess the implications of such technologies on our society."

First and foremost, intelligence is a unique gift bestowed upon humanity. Introducing a world dominated by robots lessens the essence of human experience. If robots were to replace humans in every sphere, we risk a deprivation of our privileges and rights, resulting in a society where humans are left marginalized.

Consider the scenario of entrusting our well-being to a robot nurse in a hospital or undergoing surgery with a robot doctor in the operating room. The potential consequences of such a reality sound unsettling. While robots may possess embedded intelligence, they lack the subjective ability to make decisions when untoward circumstances happen, and emotional capacity inherent in human decision-making.

On the Job Training

On-the-Job Training (OJT) is a practical training experience within the authentic work environment, complete with real job descriptions, having superiors, and colleagues. The idea of this college life event appears exciting and enjoyable to me.

Reflecting back in high school, I admired student interns for they seem experts in their chosen fields. So I had this notion that taking an internship or OJT would be a transformational, happy awe-mazing experience.

As someone with advanced computer skills, I envisioned myself in an office setting, collaborating with colleagues and superiors, engaging in various computer tasks such as hardcore programming, encoding, layout design, web development, networking, troubleshooting, and more.

Today, I am officially an intern! I am privileged to undergo my OJT at a specialized IT company ...a company I long to be part of for a very long time, making a dream come true.

Nervousness covered my being during the interview, feeling as if I was under a spell. I gave in to anxiety as the boss asked me about programming. I went blank for a few minutes, but thankfully redeemed myself after, giving him the answer he needed to hear. That instant made me question myself if my three years of study is enough to be doing it for real? Despite these, excitement persists as the boss seems nice and cute.haha.

My expectations were initially high. However, excitement swiftly transformed into disappointment as I was only given a very few and basic tasks. I never got the chance to showcase my skills in hardcore coding, but rather given the task to only manage the website, promote the company, some clerical tasks, and giving tutorial for web designing using HTML, PHP and Javascript, for his elementary sibling.

Seated on a swivel chair at the back part of a four-cornered room, I find myself waiting for an opportunity to engage for real. But boredom prevails, forcing me to fight boredom by engaging in what I can say is a nonsensical activities...such as writing this blog.

My SCA Family

I miss my SCA family. It's a holiday break, and it feels oddly quiet without them. No laughter, no shared moments of chaos. It’s strange, and honestly, I’m feeling a bit lost without the crew that’s been such a huge part of my life for the past four years.

Being part of the Student Catholic Action of the Philippines (SCA) wasn’t just a "college thing" for me---it was family. And not in a cheesy way, but in that "we’ve seen the best and worst of each other" kind of way. We’ve been through it all. Works of Mercy, Mass Sponsorships, Catechises, Cell Meetings, Daily Prayers, and through all of it, I’ve grown in ways I never expected.

SCA is something else. We’re always there for each other. Whether it’s tackling tough assignments, offering a shoulder during rough patches, or just sharing a good laugh (or, let’s be real, a heated argument or two). We’re like siblings, minus the annoying part... okay, maybe with a little of that too, but still, they mean the world to me.

I’m incredibly grateful for what SCA has given me: spiritual guidance, personal growth, and most importantly, a sense of belonging. College has its ups and downs, but having my SCA family by my side made the whole ride so much easier. We share our burdens, lift each other up, and find strength in our faith and love for one another.

Today, I miss them so much, I could cry. I miss the meetings, the late-night study sessions that somehow turned into eating sprees, the laughter, and the quiet moments of prayer. I miss the way we come together for Mass sponsorships and Works of Mercy, reminding me that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves. They make me feel whole.

To my SCA fam, especially Manay, thank you. You’ve been my support system, my joy, and my light. Can’t wait to see you again soon!