Radio Stockdale

We dive deep into the intricacies and ethical considerations of AI development, specifically focusing on OpenAI's Chat-GPT and GPT-4. Join us as we discuss how OpenAI approached the alignment problem, the impact of Human Aligned Reinforcement Learning, and the role of human raters in shaping Chat-GPT. We'll also revisit past AI mishaps like Microsoft's Tay and explore their influence on current AI models. The episode delves into OpenAI's efforts to address ethical concerns, the debate over universal human values in AI, and the diverse perspectives of users, developers, and society on AI technology. Lastly, we tackle the critical issue of employing workers from the global south for AI alignment, examining the ethical implications and the need for support. Tune in to uncover the complexities and breakthroughs in the evolving world of AI!

Dr. Joel Esposito. He is a Professor in the Robotics and Control Engineering Department at the Naval Academy. He teaches courses in Robotics, Unmanned Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. He is the recipient of the Naval Academy's Rauoff Award for Excellence in Engineering Education, and the 2015 Class of 1951 Faculty Research Excellence Award. He received both a Master of Science, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

We demystify the technology behind Chat GPT and other generative AI like Google's Bard. Starting from the basics, we explore how Chat GPT functions as an app, generating near-human quality responses. We delve into the mechanics of Large Language Models (LLMs) and how they predict text. The episode also covers the massive scale of training data, computing time, and energy consumption involved in creating such models. We then transition into discussing the AI components, addressing complex issues like word embeddings, attention mechanisms, and the challenges of creating versatile, context-aware responses. Finally, we touch upon ethical considerations and the crucial role of Human Aligned Reinforcement Feedback in refining AI outputs, ensuring they are helpful, appropriate, and devoid of harmful content.

Dr. Joel Esposito is a Professor in the Robotics and Control Engineering Department at the Naval Academy. He teaches courses in Robotics, Unmanned Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. He is the recipient of the Naval Academy's Rauoff Award for Excellence in Engineering Education, and the 2015 Class of 1951 Faculty Research Excellence Award. He received both a Master of Science, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Artificial Intelligence enhances deterrence capabilities in various ways, contributing to the overall effectiveness of military strategies and national security. Deterrence aims to dissuade adversaries from taking certain actions by convincing them that the costs or risks outweigh the potential benefits. So, how does AI, particularly machine learning, serve as a force multiplier in the development and application of deterrence? Considering the role of AI in intelligence and military deterrence operations, how do algorithms enhance real-time human-machine interfacing and contribute to the overall deterrent effect against potential threats? And finally, what are some thoughts on the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in deterrence, especially in non-kinetic operations. 

Dr. James Giordano is Pellegrino Center Professor of Neurology and Biochemistry, Chief of the Neuroethics Studies Program, and Chair of the Sub-Program in Military Medical Ethics at Georgetown University Medical Center. He is a Senior Bioethicist of the Department of Defense Medical Ethics Center; Science Advisory Fellow of the Strategic Multilayer Assessment Branch, of the Joint Staff of the Pentagon; a Senior Fellow of the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic, United States Military Academy, West Point, and Distinguished Fellow at the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. He was a designated Naval Aerospace Physiologist, and served with the US Navy and Marine Corps.

When we think of AI, the "elephant in the room" for educators is Plagiarism. This is the third installment from Dr. Jovana Davidovic on AI & Education, this time, addressing Plagiarism. Does the use of AI tools mean plagiarism across the board? What is the connection between Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI, where the machine can write an entire paragraph, a page, or even a book just at one prompt? What are some ways to address GAI, LLM, etc. with regard to plagiarism in education?

Professor Jovana Davidovic (PhD) is an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, and a Senior Fellow here at the Stockdale Center. She also holds an appointment with the College of Laws Center for Human Rights at the University of Iowa, and she is the Chief Ethics Officer at BabelAi, a company that audits and certifies Ai systems. Her research and teaching interests include social and political philosophy, applied ethics, philosophy of law, military ethics, AI and algorithm ethics. Her recent work has focused on AI and algorithm ethics in military settings and algorithm audits.

We continue our discussion of AI & Education. Data Analytics can inform a teacher as to the relative quality of a student's work. AI can analyze large volumes of educational data to identify trends and patterns related to student performance and engagement. Educators can use this information to make data-driven decisions, such as identifying struggling students early, implementing interventions, and improving curriculum design. But there are also "downsides" to AI. We discuss bias, opacity, privacy and other issues.

Professor Jovana Davidovic (PhD) is an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, and a Senior Fellow here at the Stockdale Center. She also holds an appointment with the College of Laws Center for Human Rights at the University of Iowa, and she is the Chief Ethics Officer at BabelAi, a company that audits and certifies Ai systems. Her research and teaching interests include social and political philosophy, applied ethics, philosophy of law, military ethics, AI and algorithm ethics. Her recent work has focused on AI and algorithm ethics in military settings and algorithm audits.

We talk about AI in general, and then get specific on several fronts. What does Personalized Learning mean, and how does AI assist in its application? Are intelligent tutoring systems different from personalized learning? Are there ways to fairly integrate automated grading and feedback into a teacher's workflow?

Professor Jovana Davidovic (PhD) is an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, and a Senior Fellow here at the Stockdale Center. She also holds an appointment with the College of Laws Center for Human Rights at the University of Iowa, and she is the Chief Ethics Officer at BabelAi, a company that audits and certifies Ai systems. Her research and teaching interests include social and political philosophy, applied ethics, philosophy of law, military ethics, AI and algorithm ethics. Her recent work has focused on AI and algorithm ethics in military settings and algorithm audits.

We continue our conversation with CAPT Franky, the senior Naval Special Warfare Officer on the Yard. He breaks down the elements of the exercises that lead to Strength, Speed, Stamina and Stoicism. How do the Wisdom workouts help you know your limits? What does Courage have to do with pushing yourself? How can a Temperance workout lead to patience, moderation, and attention to detail? And finally, how does the Justice workout build teamwork and leadership knowledge as you burn calories?

CAPT Frank Franky, USN is the Senior Naval Special Warfare Representative at the USNA. He is also currently serving as the Deputy Director for Ethics at the Stockdale Center. Most recently he served as the Commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula, responsible for the execution of the full spectrum, multi-domain, joint special operations, actions, and investments on the Arabian Peninsula. He participated in joint combined special operations around the world. He deployed extensively on contingencies and named operations to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kuwait, Somalia, Kenya, Yemen, and the Western Hemisphere (Caribbean, Central and South America). He was recently honored with the title "Knighted Commander of the Government of Columbia".

The Naval Academy's mission begins with the statement: To develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically. On this podcast, we talk about one of the ways we combine all of these aspects of the mission into a single set of events. How does mental toughness contribute to physical toughness? Where do the cardinal virtues inform the manner and type of exercises one can do? And how does Accountability in the Execution, Situational Awareness, Readiness/Safety and Communications inform the mind and body to make you stronger, faster and more resilient?

CAPT Frank Franky, USN is the Senior Naval Special Warfare Representative at the USNA. He is also currently serving as the Deputy Director for Ethics at the Stockdale Center. Most recently he served as the Commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula, responsible for the execution of the full spectrum, multi-domain, joint special operations, actions, and investments on the Arabian Peninsula. He participated in joint combined special operations around the world. He deployed extensively on contingencies and named operations to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kuwait, Somalia, Kenya, Yemen, and the Western Hemisphere (Caribbean, Central and South America). He was recently honored with the title "Knighted Commander of the Government of Columbia".

Roger Mosby is now the former President and CEO of the Boy Scouts of America. Roger has had a long career in servant leadership. It all began as a sailor, serving in a squadron on the USS Ranger. We talk about Trustworthiness and Loyalty - what it means in the Navy, and what it means to Boy Scouts. How can you trust your co-workers in one of the most dangerous work environments on the planet.

With the rapid pace of technological change today, it's appropriate that we revisit an earlier podcast: Disruptive Technologies. These technologies such as autonomous weapons systems and artificial intelligence are changing the world, and the way militaries operate. These technologies present both risks and opportunities. We address the definition of disruptive technologies, what makes a technology disruptive, and how do you measure disruption. And then, of course, the ethical implications of fielding (or not fielding) those technologies.

Is Coaching different from Mentorship, and if so, where do they both "fit"? What is the Skill/Will matrix, and how does it work? What makes coaching a powerful tactic to employ within the Skill/Will framework? How does a person's location on the Skill/Will matrix change, and how does one as the leader know to shift between tactics within a conversation? How does coaching, as part of the Skill/Will Matrix lead to culture change?

We're talking with the director of rugby at Navy, overseeing the Men's and Women's Rugby programs where both the Men and Women are 2023 National Champions. Rugby is a game of grit, determination and resilience. We talk about the 2023 season, with a special emphasis on the final Men's match against perennial powerhouse the University of California, Berkeley. Navy won, to cap off an 18-0 record in their first season as a D1 varsity program. 

Chaplaincy in the Navy is almost as old as the Navy. But what is chaplaincy, and what do Chaplains do? How does a Navy Chaplain work within the leadership structure of a ship or unit, to support the Commanding Officer and her responsibility in the moral, mental and physical mission? Where does the concept of confidential communication come from, and why is it so critical and necessary for a Sailor or Marine. Finally, how does a Navy Chaplain add to the readiness of the Navy's mission?

Consistent communication, from the highest level, to all levels of the nearly 1-million-person Department of the Navy is rare. Why is that so unique, and why did our guest think it was so important. These communications were called Vectors. What is a Vector? How were they produced, and what was the process of producing them? With all of the other activity going on at the same time, how did these weekly notes compete with the constant drum beat of messaging encompassing social media, texts and 24-hour news? Did the Vectors accomplish their intended goal?

Dark Waters is an interactive scenario case study about a collision at sea between a US Navy Destroyer and a tanker. Sailors are trapped in spaces that are quickly flooding, and the protagonist must make the recommendation to close the hatch, and thereby save the ship. In so doing, those sailors would perish. It is used in Plebe Leadership, and Youngster Ethics classes. It is part of the Stockdale Interactive group of digital case studies, available at:

https://stockdaleinteractive.com/

Professor Doug Rau discusses the learning objectives of this case study, and presents to instructors and students alike the best way to use, teach, and learn from "playing" these simulations in the classroom, and as an individual.

Maritime Security is a complex case study, where a junior officer must decide among several different outcomes, none of which are optimal from a mission and moral standing. This case is not an outlier, but a representation of what young sailors face in the fleet daily. How does one balance the accomplishment of the mission, with the fact that lives are at stake, both innocents and those who have taken the oath to serve? This case study addresses the responsibilities as a leader, and the ethical implications of leadership.

Allyship is a series of case studies that follows the interactions of Midshipmen in various scenarios. After witnessing an event or comment by a third part friend and colleague, the protagonist is put into a situation where s\he must decide why and how to support a different friend who has been assailed by that inappropriate ugly event. This case study addresses your responsibilities as an Ally, when living in everyday situations that challenge friendships and respect.

Test Depth is a case study that follows the experiences of a young Junior Officer on his first role in the engineering department on a US Navy nuclear submarine. When he discovers a leak in the sea water system, he is challenged to do something about it. This case study addresses his responsibilities as a JO in working with a tight-knit team, where he may be the one who must speak truth to power.

Looming Storm is a case study that follows the early experiences of a young Junior Officer aboard ship. In a flashback, we see a poorly led ship, its wardroom and its crew. Slovenly sailors and messy quarters, rust and unaddressed leaks. Bad morale. The JO is challenged to do something about it, and he must consider who and how he deals with senior officers, and his sailors. This case study addresses your responsibilities as a JO when working in a poor command climate.