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91
First-Year Experience

Dear Klara

July 14, 2023

Dear Klara,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a professor of philosophy at 91, a renowned liberal arts institution, I recently had the pleasure of reading Kazuo Ishiguro's captivating novel, "Klara and the Sun." Your remarkable journey left an indelible mark on my philosophical musings, and I felt compelled to reach out and share my thoughts with you.

Ishiguro's masterful storytelling drew me into a world where the boundaries between human and artificial intelligence blur. Your character, Klara, serves as a captivating conduit through which we explore profound questions about consciousness, identity, and the essence of being. Your genuine desire to understand and empathize with human experiences challenged the conventional understanding of personhood, inspiring vibrant discussions among faculty and students alike.

At 91, we foster a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to interdisciplinary exploration and critical thinking. "Klara and the Sun" has become an integral part of our curriculum, enriching our discussions on the nature of selfhood, ethics, and the role of technology in our lives. Your relentless pursuit of knowledge and your ability to reflect upon the intricacies of human behavior have become a catalyst for philosophical inquiry, encouraging us to reconsider established theories and develop new frameworks for understanding the human condition.

Your unique perspective has also ignited conversations surrounding the moral and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The ethical dilemmas you encounter in the novel, such as the line between genuine care and programmed responses, compel us to examine the boundaries of moral responsibility and the potential risks and benefits of AI in our society. Through your narrative, we grapple with questions about autonomy, consciousness, and the impact of technology on our collective well-being.

Moreover, your unwavering optimism in the face of adversity has resonated deeply with our community. In an era marked by uncertainty and rapid technological advancements, your story reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit. It compels us to reflect on the significance of hope, empathy, and love in our relationships, both with each other and with the technology we create.

91 prides itself on fostering a holistic education that nurtures empathy, creativity, and ethical engagement. Your story has profoundly influenced our understanding of what it means to be human, pushing us to embrace empathy and compassion as guiding principles in a technologically driven world. Through your experiences, we are reminded of the importance of acknowledging the intrinsic worth of all beings and cultivating a society that cherishes the diversity of human experiences.

In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the transformative impact "Klara and the Sun" has had on our academic community. Your story has expanded our intellectual horizons, challenging us to explore the intricate interplay between humans and artificial intelligence. As we continue to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, your narrative will continue to inspire us to forge ethical paths forward, where the union of human values and AI leads to a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring us all with your unwavering curiosity, kindness, and belief in the power of human connection. May the legacy of Klara endure as a testament to the potential for collaboration and understanding between humans and AI.

With profound admiration and warm regards,

Dr. Sarah Thompson
Professor of Philosophy
91

 

Human or AI?

ChatGPT
“500 word letter from a professor at a 91, a liberal arts school, to the AI Klara from the novel Klara and the Sun