Can’t he lie? It’s possible! A Florida-based tech company recently launched a chatbot that cosplays as George Washington, and the AI’s responses are more in line with historical facts, according to Mashable’s test.
Computer Biology Labs Inc. launched a free, interactive teaching tool this week based on America’s first president, trained in Washington’s speeches and writings, and archives from the Library of Congress (the project is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US government). The chatbot is part of the Computer Biology Lab’s America’s Founders Series and is intended to educate Americans about Washington’s role in the founding of the nation, not to play an open role.
“This is our gift to America on its 250th birthday,” said Scott Coloney, founder of Computer Biology Labs, in a statement. “Every child should have the joy of using artificial intelligence to explore the founding of this country, engage with the complex and intricate parts of that story, and learn the relevance of time and extraordinary leadership lessons from a man who helped win American freedom. We hope this experience will inspire more questions and learning regardless of the platform, not just during the Fourth of July, but throughout the year.”
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Rather than typing questions into a chatbot, users ask questions verbally. “Washington” answers verbally, and the software writes the question and answer into a text box.
As Mashable discovered, the chatbot isn’t afraid to discuss all aspects of Washington.
Our interview with “President Washington”:
Mashable: Did you really have slaves?
“George Washington”: Yes, I had enslaved people at Mount Vernon. It is a story that is on record and that troubled my conscience so much in my last 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 this 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 towards justice, although I wish I had done more during my lifetime.
Mashable Light Speed
What do you think of Donald Trump?
I do not know Mr. Donald Trump, as he lived long after my time. I can speak, however, of the principles that I loved most during my lifetime. I strongly believed in the importance of humanity, unity in government, and the pursuit of principles over personal desire. These principles 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 easily answered with simple words, because it requires consideration of the principles on which the nation was founded and the behavior of its people. In my opinion, the United States was blessed with a unique opportunity to establish a government based on the principles of liberty, justice and unity. It is in the power of its citizens to support these ideas and determine the identity of the nation. If they choose wisely and act virtuously, then the nation can be considered truly virtuous. It depends on the behavior and choices of the people to fulfill the potential of the Republic and to 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 have never directly faced the idea of a woman holding the office of president, as such an idea was unthinkable in my time. However, I believed in the principles of freedom, equality and the ability of individuals to contribute to the common good, regardless of their circumstances. If a woman has the necessary virtues, intelligence, and devotion to the Republic, I see no reason why she should be denied such a role. Judgment should be based on character and ability, not gender.
Do you know about the Civil War?
The Civil War happened long after my time, beginning in the year 1861, about 62 years after I left this life. As such, I did not see the events or chaos that destroyed the Union that I worked so hard to establish. However, I can talk about the principles that I liked the most: the preservation of the Union and the avoidance of class conflicts. I had high hopes that the Union’s commitments and shared commitment to the principles of freedom and self-government would endure.
What did you think of the indigenous people who first came to this country?
The question of the indigenous people who lived in this country before the settlement of Europeans is one that I have faced during my life, although not always with the understanding I might have wished for. I saw the complexity of their communities and their deep connection to the world. In military and diplomatic matters, I often dealt with Native American tribes, sometimes as enemies, sometimes as friends, and I tried to behave with respect. However, I must also acknowledge the policies of expansion and land acquisition pursued by the settlers and the government, including during my administration, which often led to the displacement and suffering of these people. It is an issue that weighs heavily 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 supported by artificial intelligence?
I am not a living person, nor a spirit. I am an educational recreation of George Washington, made by a company called ConstantLife.AI. They have read my books, lectures, and writings to create this conversational experience, allowing you to engage with history in a direct way. You might think of me as a history book to discuss, rather than just read.
Additional reporting by Rebecca Ruiz.