This experiment builds on the previous experiment where I wanted to know if AI (specifically ChatGPT) could create the background information for a podcast. Here, I wanted to explore whether ChatGPT could create an outline for a course on Worldviews.

Hypothesis:

ChatGPT can develop a high-quality generic outline for a course on “Getting to know your own worldview”, which will create a platform for further course development.

Process:

Using ChatGPT, I used the following prompt “How to structure a course on getting to know your own worldview”, and reviewed the content. It may not be significant in terms of the output (I don’t know enough about how ChatGPT works to judge), but I did this experiment alongside the previous experiment, so it’s possible that the data that was pulled to create the course summary was connected to the data that was pulled from across the internet to answer the question “How can I understand my own worldview”, and which was used as the basis for a podcast.

Outputs:

Here’s the first outline from ChatGPT:

Course Structure Overview

• Title: Understanding Your Own Worldview
• Duration: 6-8 weeks (adjustable based on depth)
• Format: Can be adapted for in-person or online learning, with a mix of lectures, discussions, journaling, and reflective exercises.

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Module 1: Introduction to Worldviews

• Objective: Define what a worldview is and why it matters.
• Key Topics:
  • What is a worldview? (Definition and examples)
  • The role of worldviews in shaping perceptions, decisions, and interactions.
  • Why understanding one’s own worldview is important for self-awareness and empathy.
• Activities:
  • Lecture/Presentation: Overview of worldviews, with real-life examples.
  • Discussion: How do different worldviews manifest in everyday life? Share examples.
  • Self-Assessment Quiz: Basic questions to help participants identify areas of their worldview they may want to explore further.

Module 2: Exploring Core Beliefs

• Objective: Identify the core beliefs that form the foundation of participants’ worldviews.
• Key Topics:
  • Beliefs about reality, human nature, spirituality, and the nature of knowledge.
  • Differences between conscious beliefs (what we know we believe) and subconscious beliefs (what we assume without questioning).
• Activities:
  • Journaling Exercise: “What do I believe about the world and my place in it?” Write a one-page reflection.
  • Small Group Discussions: Share reflections and identify common themes or surprising differences.
  • Case Study Analysis: Examine scenarios where different beliefs might lead to different interpretations or actions.

Module 3: Unpacking Values and Priorities

• Objective: Understand how values shape actions, priorities, and judgments.
• Key Topics:
  • The relationship between values and decisions.
  • How cultural, familial, and societal influences shape our values.
  • Identifying value conflicts and internal dilemmas.
• Activities:
  • Values Clarification Exercise: List and rank values (e.g., freedom, community, honesty, success). Reflect on how these values influence everyday decisions.
  • Discussion: How do your top values align or conflict with those of others in the group?
  • Role-Playing: Scenarios that require making a choice based on values—discuss how different values would lead to different decisions.

Module 4: Recognizing Cognitive Biases and Assumptions

• Objective: Identify cognitive biases that influence perception and decision-making.
• Key Topics:
  • Common cognitive biases (confirmation bias, attribution error, etc.)
  • How assumptions shape the way we interpret information.
  • Strategies for recognizing and challenging personal biases.
• Activities:
  • Interactive Lecture: Introduction to cognitive biases with examples.
  • Bias Detection Exercise: Analyze recent decisions or opinions for possible biases.
  • Journaling Prompt: “When was the last time I changed my mind about something significant? What prompted that change?”

Module 5: The Role of Experience and Culture

• Objective: Explore how life experiences and cultural background shape worldviews.
• Key Topics:
  • The impact of upbringing, education, religion, and societal norms.
  • How cultural lenses influence perspectives on issues like morality, politics, and community.
  • The balance between individuality and cultural influence in shaping worldview.
• Activities:
  • Storytelling Session: Participants share a formative experience that shaped their beliefs.
  • Cultural Reflection Exercise: Analyze how a specific cultural or societal influence has shaped a belief you hold.
  • Guest Speaker: Someone from a different cultural background to provide perspective on how culture shapes worldviews.

Module 6: Engaging with Diverse Worldviews

• Objective: Develop skills for understanding and empathizing with perspectives different from one’s own.
• Key Topics:
  • The importance of open-mindedness and empathy in a diverse world.
  • Strategies for constructive dialogue across differences.
  • How engaging with other worldviews can challenge and refine one’s own.
• Activities:
  • Discussion: How can we stay open to perspectives that differ from our own?
  • Role-Playing Debate: Participants adopt a worldview different from their own and argue from that perspective.
  • Reading Assignment: Articles or essays that present worldviews significantly different from mainstream perspectives.

Module 7: Articulating Your Worldview

• Objective: Create a personal statement of worldview that synthesizes insights from the course.
• Key Topics:
  • How to express your worldview in a clear, coherent way.
  • Recognizing the fluidity of worldviews and openness to change.
  • Identifying areas where one’s worldview might continue to evolve.
• Activities:
  • Writing Assignment: “My Worldview” – a reflective essay or video presentation.
  • Peer Review: Exchange and discuss worldview statements with a partner.
  • Group Reflection: How have participants’ understandings of their own worldviews changed through the course?

Module 8: Applying Worldview Awareness

• Objective: Explore how understanding one’s own worldview can be applied in daily life and interactions.
• Key Topics:
  • The role of self-awareness in conflict resolution, leadership, and community engagement.
  • Practical strategies for balancing personal beliefs with openness to change.
  • Using worldview awareness for personal growth and ethical decision-making.
• Activities:
  • Scenario Analysis: Apply worldview insights to hypothetical situations (e.g., resolving a conflict, making a difficult decision).
  • Action Plan: Create a personal action plan for continued reflection on worldview and integrating it into daily life.
  • Final Reflection: Participants share their biggest takeaways and how they plan to use their insights.

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Course Wrap-Up:

• Final Group Discussion: Reflect on the journey of self-discovery throughout the course.
• Feedback Session: Participants share feedback about what they found most valuable.
• Resource List: Provide a list of books, articles, and podcasts for continued exploration of worldviews.

Assessment and Certification (Optional)

• If you want to offer a certificate, assessments could include quizzes, reflective essays, and participation in discussions.
• For a non-graded course, focus on personal growth and self-assessment rather than formal evaluations.

Was It Useful / What Did I Learn?

This was a really useful process, the summary covers all the main topics that I’d expect to be there in a really logical and coherent way. The suggested activities all make sense, and if I was a designing this course, would be similar to what I would suggest. The thing that is missing for me is the “what’s in it for me” for a potential participant – what value would they get from doing this course. However, this wasn’t included in the prompt, and the answer is there in the text, so it would be easy for a human designer to pull this out.

On reflection, I probably needed to specify a course duration, as this feels long. However, it did prompt some thinking for me:

1. Could these chapters be used for a book (I think yes)?
2. Could I use the course overview as a prompt for what I would include in my own course on worldviews (I think yes)
3. Given that this experiment has proved the hypothesis, is it worth me developing my own course?

Point 3 has really given me food for thought as, aside from this being quite a long course, it feels like an interesting course, and something I’d like to do personally.