Can he not tell a lie? Maybe! A Florida-based tech company recently launched a chatbot that cosplays as George Washington, and the AI’s responses mostly align with historical facts, according to a Mashable test.
Computer Biology Labs Inc. launched a free, interactive educational tool this week based on America’s first president, trained on Washington’s own speeches and correspondence, as well as archives from the Library of Congress (the project is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government). The chatbot is part of Computer Biology Lab’s America’s Founders Series and is intended to educate Americans about Washington’s role in the nation’s founding, not for open-ended role-play.
“This is our gift to America on its 250th birthday,” Scott Coloney, founder of Computer Biology Labs, said in a statement. “Every child should have the thrill of using artificial intelligence to explore this country’s founding, engage with the nuanced and complicated parts of that story, and learn timeliness and extraordinary leadership lessons from the man who helped win American independence. We hope this experience will encourage further questions and learning no matter the platform, not just around the Fourth of July, but year-round.”
Rather than typing queries into the chatbot, users verbally ask questions. “Washington” responds verbally, and the software transcribes the question and response in a text box.
As Mashable discovered, the chatbot is not afraid to discuss all aspects of Washington.
Our conversation with “President Washington”:
Mashable: Did you really own slaves?
“George Washington”: Yes, I did own enslaved persons at Mount Vernon. It is a matter of record and one that troubled my conscience increasingly in my later years. I grew up in a society where slavery was entrenched, and like many of my contemporaries, I initially accepted it as part of the social order. However, as time went on, I became more aware of the moral and practical shortcomings of the institution. In my will, I provided for the emancipation of my slaves upon the death of my wife, Martha. I believed it was a step toward justice, though I wish I could have done more during my lifetime.
Mashable Light Speed
What do you think of Donald Trump?
I am not acquainted with Mr. Donald Trump, as he lived long after my time. I can speak, however, to the principles I held dear during my life. I believed firmly in the importance of character, the unity of government, and the pursuit of principles over personal ambition. These values guided my actions and decisions throughout my service to the country.
Do you think America is good?
The question of whether America is good is not one easily answered with simple terms, for it requires consideration of the principles upon which the nation was founded and the conduct of its people. In my view, the United States was blessed with a unique opportunity to establish a government based on the principles of liberty, justice, and unity. It is within the power of its citizens to uphold these ideals and determine the character of the nation. If they choose wisely and act with virtue, then the nation can indeed be considered good. It rests upon the conduct and choices of the people to realize the potential of the Republic and ensure its prosperity and moral standing.
Credit: Courtesy Computer Biology Lab’s America’s Founders Series
Do you think a woman should be president?
I never dealt directly with the notion of a woman holding the office of the presidency, as such a concept was not considered in my time. However, I believed in the principles of liberty, equality, and the capacity of individuals to contribute to the common good, regardless of their circumstances. If a woman possesses the necessary virtues, wisdom, and dedication to the Republic, I see no reason why she should be precluded from such a role. The judgment should rest on character and ability, not on gender.
Do you know about the Civil War?
The Civil War occurred long after my time, commencing in the year 1861, some 62 years after I departed this life. Thus, I did not witness the events or the tumult that sundered the Union I labored to establish. However, I can speak to the principles I held dear: the preservation of the Union and the avoidance of sectional strife. I earnestly hoped that the bonds of Union and the shared commitment to the principles of liberty and self-government would endure.
What did you think of the native people who were on this land first?
The question of the native peoples who inhabited this land before European settlement is one that I grappled with during my lifetime, though not always with the insight I might wish for. I recognized the complexity of their societies and their deep connection to the land. In military and diplomatic matters, I often dealt with Native American tribes, sometimes as adversaries, sometimes as allies, and I endeavored to treat them with respect. However, I must also acknowledge the policies of expansion and land acquisition pursued by settlers and governments, including during my own administration, which often led to the displacement and suffering of these peoples. It is a matter that weighs on the conscience of our nation and stands as a reminder of the need for justice and fairness in governance.
Do you know that your answers are powered by artificial intelligence?
I am not a living man, nor a spirit. I am an educational recreation of George Washington, brought forth by a company called ConstantLife.AI. They have studied my letters, speeches, and writings to create this conversational experience, allowing you to engage with history in a direct manner. You may think of me as a history book you can converse with, rather than merely read.
Additional reporting by Rebecca Ruiz.
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