Practical Philosophy, Generative AI and Coaching

Welcome to the course "Practical Philosophy, Generative AI, and Coaching."

Since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, a burning debate has emerged worldwide about whether new AI technologies will replace human jobs. However, this extremely human-centric argument appears to overlook one crucial point: technology continually reshapes our lives and professions.

This course aims to explore the deeper, longer-term implications of generative AI and other technologies on humanity and coaching. Please refer to other courses to learn more about immediate issues like privacy and data security.

My course addresses foundational and philosophical aspects of AI.

There are three main objectives in this course:

1. Human Transformation with AI

2. Ethical Challenges with AI

3. Making Humanity Humble with Technology

Participants will explore the following three major questions in this course:

1. How can emerging technologies challenge our perceptions of humans and coaching?

2. How does this perspective shape the ethical development and application of AI in coaching?

3. In what ways can technology foster a more humble humanity?

I hope you will find it thought-provoking and useful, providing a unique perspective that complements other discussions on AI.

Let's embark on this journey together to uncover the transformative potential of AI and how it can shape a more reflective and humble future for humanity and coaching.

This research was conducted by the Institute for Legal Studies in Hungary and was presented at the 9th Asian Constitutional Law Forum, held on May 13-14, 2022, almost two years ago. The study is titled "A Variety of Approaches Towards Artificial Intelligence in Asia."

According to their findings, the approach to artificial intelligence varies significantly depending on the country and its culture. Japan is one of the few countries that adopts a human-centered approach to AI, viewing it as a kind of human companion. In contrast, countries like South Korea, India, and China regard artificial intelligence primarily as a tool for humans.

The cultural perspectives on AI indeed vary significantly across different regions. Japan's human-centered approach, viewing AI as a compatriot, emphasizes collaboration and integration with human society. This contrasts with other countries where AI is primarily seen as a tool to enhance human capabilities and productivity.

Let me tell you about another case—Pepper. Pepper is a robot developed by SoftBank Robotics, widely popular in Japan and exported to other countries. While I was living in New York in 2017, Kenichi Yoshida, the Chief Business Officer of SoftBank Robotics, visited New York to introduce Pepper to potential users in the U.S. Kenichi emphasized the need for careful introduction of this humanoid robot to the U.S. market. In Japan, due to depictions of humanoids in manga and media, people are accustomed to living and working with robots. However, in the U.S., robots are often perceived as machines that could replace human jobs. Kenichi stressed the importance of considering this cultural difference when introducing Pepper.

The story of Pepper highlights how cultural perceptions influence the acceptance and integration of AI technologies. In Japan, where robots are embraced as part of the community and are familiar through popular culture, humanoid robots like Pepper are more readily accepted. Conversely, in the U.S., where robots are frequently seen as machines or potential job threats, introducing such technologies requires careful consideration and adaptation to address these concerns.

Understanding this cultural context is crucial for effectively implementing AI technologies in different regions.

Alvin Toffler said that as we shape Third Wave civilizations through our own daily choices and actions, Third Wave civilizations will in turn shape us.

Toffler's idea emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between society and its evolving structures. Our daily choices and actions influence the civilization we build, which in turn shapes our lives.

According to Toffler, there are three waves of great civilizations in human history.

The first is the agricultural revolution, the second is the industrial revolution, which created a standardized, mass-production society.

In the second wave civilization, people have to adjust and adapt to the one standard that is considered fit for all.

Alvin Toffler explained the second wave civilization in terms of its psychological system, social system, information system, technological system, and power system.

Simply put, second-wave civilization is characterized by mass production, mass distribution, and mass consumption, as well as mass media and mass information flow.

This system is supported by nuclear families, typically two parents and two children, and factory-like schools where students follow the same curriculum and are grouped by age.

It is also characterized by corporations, centralized and hierarchical management structure.

This contrasts sharply with the Third Wave Civilization, which emphasizes individualization, decentralization, and the flow of information.

The third wave civilization is synonymous with the knowledge-based society, which means that data, ideas, and information become the primary sources of value.

In the Third Wave Civilization, the 4Cs, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking become more and more important.

Instead of standardized ways of living and working, everyone needs to find their own uniqueness and master how to communicate and collaborate with each other.

In this way, we can become more creative and productive.

This transition necessitates moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more individualized and personalized way of life.

It means that each person must cultivate their unique strengths and find ways to connect and collaborate meaningfully with others.

This shift is bringing about profound changes in the way we live and work, emphasizing personal growth, innovation, and adaptability.

In the context of practical philosophy, this shift challenges us to rethink our values and behaviors in a more interconnected, dynamic world.

Toffler said that every civilization has a certain common understanding of society that justifies and underpins every system and every civilization.

Toffler called the second wave civilization the Indust-Reality.

This Indust-reality has three characteristics. First, humans should have dominion over nature. Second, humans are the culmination of a long evolutionary process. And third, history is irreversibly moving toward a better life for humanity.

How will they change as we move into the Third Wave Civilization?

As we move into the Third Wave Civilization, these assumptions will indeed be challenged and transformed.

In a third wave civilization, the idea that humans should have dominion over nature is increasingly being questioned as we recognize our interdependence with the environment and the need for sustainable practices. The notion of humans as the pinnacle of evolution is also being re-evaluated, especially as advances in AI and biotechnology blur the lines between human and machine. Finally, the belief in irreversible progress is shifting to a more nuanced understanding that progress can take many forms and isn't always linear.

In practical philosophy, this shift encourages us to embrace more holistic, integrative approaches to knowledge and existence.

In generative AI, it means developing systems that are more adaptive, ethical, and aligned with diverse human values.

In coaching, it focuses on helping individuals and organizations navigate this complex landscape, fostering resilience, and promoting sustainable growth.

In this section, we will learn and reflect how practical philosophy provides the ethical framework and critical thinking skills necessary for understanding and integrating generative AI into coaching.

Coaching, with its roots in humanistic psychology and Eastern philosophies, focuses on personal growth, self-awareness, and achieving one's potential. This aligns well with the skills needed in the Third Wave civilization, where creativity and personal development are crucial.

Generative AI, on the other hand, can enhance this process by providing personalized learning experiences, fostering creativity, and facilitating communication and collaboration. It can act as a tool to complement coaching, making it more accessible and tailored to individual needs.

Practical philosophy provides a framework for understanding and navigating the complexities of life. It involves applying philosophical concepts to everyday situations to make more informed and meaningful decisions.

When we combine this with generative AI, we get a powerful tool that can analyze vast amounts of data, offer personalized insights, and simulate various scenarios, helping individuals make better decisions based on a deeper understanding of their values and goals.

Coaching then ties these elements together by providing the support and guidance needed to apply these insights in a practical, actionable way. It helps individuals clarify their purpose, set meaningful goals, and develop strategies to achieve them, while also nurturing their creativity and collaborative skills.

This integrated approach leverages the strengths of each component: the wisdom of practical philosophy, the analytical power of generative AI, and the personalized guidance of coaching. Together, they can significantly enhance personal growth and development in the context of a knowledge-based society.

"Consider a business professional responsible for the data security of their customers. This individual is now being asked to share confidential data with a third-party vendor to improve service efficiency.

Now, how can the professional use generative AI, practical philosophy, and coaching to make better decisions.

First, using generative AI, the professional can analyze the potential risks and benefits of sharing this data.

Second, applying practical philosophy, the professional can reflect on the following globally accepted ethical principles for AI.

Transparency: Ensuring that the decision-making process and the use of AI are clear and understandable to all stakeholders.

Accountability: Taking responsibility for the AI’s actions and outcomes, and having mechanisms in place for addressing any issues that arise.

Fairness: Ensuring that the use of AI does not create or reinforce bias and discrimination.

Privacy: Protecting the confidentiality and security of the data involved, respecting the privacy rights of individuals.

Beneficence and Non-maleficence: Striving to do good and avoid harm in all AI-related activities.

The professional can examine AI-generated risk assessments by these ethical principles, given their business context.

Third, the professional can talk to their coach to articulate insights, sharing the analysis provided by AI and their own reflection by techniques of practical philosophy.

In this way, the professional can synthesize the analysis provided by AI and their own reflection by practical philosophy, and the articulated insights through coaching sessions to develop potential strategies for ensuring data security while meeting business goals.

Here, we have another example of how practical philosophy, generative AI and coaching can help people.

As society transitions to the Third Wave, where individuality and personal uniqueness are highly valued, people will indeed face new challenges like loneliness and isolation due to their highly individualized paths. Alvin Toffler's insights are spot on in predicting the need for life counselors or mentors who can help individuals navigate these complexities.

Coaching can fill this vital role by providing personalized support, helping people connect with their inner selves, and guiding them towards fulfilling their unique potentials. By fostering self-awareness, resilience, and interpersonal skills, coaching helps individuals manage the emotional and psychological aspects of living in a highly individualized society.

Generative AI can enhance this process by offering personalized advice, resources, and insights tailored to each person's needs. It can help individuals find relevant information, connect with like-minded people, and simulate potential life scenarios, thus aiding decision-making and personal growth.

Practical philosophy ties it all together by providing a foundation of wisdom and ethical considerations, helping individuals make sense of their experiences and navigate life with purpose and meaning.

Overall, the integration of practical philosophy, generative AI, and coaching can create a robust support system that addresses both the opportunities and challenges of the Third Wave civilization, fostering a more connected, purposeful, and fulfilling life for individuals.

I quote what Luciano Floridi, a professor of philosophy of information and information ethics, said about the history of human’s self-conceptualization.

According to Floridi,

after Copernicus, the heliocentric cosmology displaced the Earth and hence humanity from the center of the universe.

Then Darwin showed that all species of life have evolved over time from common ancestors through natural selection, thus displacing humanity from the center of the biological kingdom. And after Freud, we acknowledged that the mind was also unconscious and subject to a defense mechanism of repression, thus displacing it from the center of pure rationality, a position that has been assumed as uncontroversial at least since Descartes.

And more importantly, since 1950, represented by the Turing, computer science and ICT has exerted an epistemic influence and is transforming our view of humans and the world.

Luciano Floridi's insights are indeed enlightening. His perspective on the historical shifts in how humanity perceives itself highlights the profound impact of scientific and philosophical developments.

The heliocentric model by Copernicus displaced humans from the center of the universe, Darwin's theory of evolution removed humans from the pinnacle of biological life, and Freud's theories challenged the supremacy of rational thought. Now, with the advent of computer science and ICT, we are again re-evaluating our place, this time in relation to artificial intelligence and information technology.

These shifts in self-conceptualization force us to rethink our values, ethics, and roles in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

In practical philosophy, this encourages a more humble and integrative approach to understanding our place in the cosmos.

For generative AI, it means creating technologies that enhance human capabilities while being mindful of ethical implications and the broader impact on society.

In coaching, this evolving self-conceptualization underscores the importance of guiding individuals and organizations through these transformations, helping them adapt to new realities, and fostering a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities in this changing landscape.

To move onto and thrive in the Third Wave Civilization, we need to shift our mindset developed during the Second Wave Civilization, characterized with standardized mass production. This shift requires critically examining the deep-seated ways of thinking that have become the default frameworks in our minds, largely shaped by Western paradigms during global modernization process.

In this context, it's useful to revisit the insights of Terry Winograd, an artificial intelligence expert and professor of computer science and natural languages, and Fernando Flores, one of the founders of ontological coaching. They together wrote Understanding Computers and Cognition: A New Foundation For Design.

According to Winograd and Flores, all technological advancements arise within an implicit understanding of human nature and labor. The integration of new technologies significantly alters our activities and, ultimately, our very conception of what it means to be human.

They argue that to fully understand the impact of computers on society, we must uncover the underlying assumptions about human language, thought, and work that drive developments in computer technology.

They critique the "rationalistic tradition" of understanding human nature and labor—a viewpoint initially imposed by the West during the early modern period and later adopted globally through modernization. This tradition, often linked to Descartes, creates the  dichotomy between the world and ideas and leads to behaviors and attitudes that, when viewed from a broader perspective, are irrational.

Instead, Winograd and Flores propose a new approach to designing computer-based systems. Rather than creating tools that simply fit into existing frameworks of human activity, these systems should support humans in forging new domains of activity.

As the Third Wave Civilization progresses, symbolic elements like concepts, ideas, and images assume central roles not only in production but also in communication.

This shift highlights the increasing importance of dialogue as a tool for developing broader and more nuanced understandings.

Consequently, the design of computer-based socioeconomic systems must support this kind of dialogue, acknowledging the limits of human rationality.

Let’s explore another source of modern coaching: Zen Buddhism.

Eugen Herrigel (1884-1955), a German professor and author of Zen in the Art of Archery, had a profound impact on the development of coaching. Herrigel, who was deeply interested in mysticism as a student, realized that the path to mysticism is one of personal experience. In the 1920s, Herrigel taught philosophy in Japan and studied Japanese archery, publishing Zen in the Art of Archery in 1953.

In the state where you're not specifically thinking, planning, striving, desiring, or expecting anything, and aren’t heading in any particular direction, yet still know you have the power to achieve both the possible and the seemingly impossible—this state is without clear purpose and lacks ego. The Master referred to it as truly "spiritual." It is filled with spiritual awareness, which is why it is also called "right presence of mind."

Herrigel’s ideas align perfectly with coaching—overcoming the inner opponent to achieve peak performance.

While technologies like AI offer powerful new tools, the core principles of coaching—mindfulness, presence, and self-awareness, as championed by Herrigel—remain unchanged. The future of coaching lies in integrating these timeless principles with cutting-edge technologies to enhance human potential.

For instance, an AI chatbot, trained on extensive data about Buddhist wisdom, can respond to questions from people seeking life purpose and spiritual relief. An AI-powered platform can connect these spiritual seekers in cities with truly enlightened monks in remote temples.

AI can bridge cultural and temporal gaps, making ancient teachings accessible and relevant to contemporary seekers.

Kiyoshi Miki, a Japanese philosopher, was arrested for sheltering political fugitive and died in Toyotama Prison on September 26th, 1945, 40 days after the end of World War II.

He said in his work, Logic of Imagination;

Traditional philosophy had regarded "action" as something initiated by human will upon the external world. However, a truly understood "action" involves humans transcending their subjective perspective, encountering the historical reality as a created entity, modifying its "form," and creating new "forms."

Miki referred to this process of altering the conventional "form" as "transformation."

Kiyoshi Miki's philosophy, particularly his concept of "transformation" as detailed in his work Logic of Imagination, can provide a meaningful connection to generative AI and coaching.

Miki’s philosophy emphasizes the idea of "transformation" in the context of action and historical reality. According to Miki, traditional philosophy views action as something driven by human will acting upon the external world. In contrast, he argues that true action involves transcending subjective perspectives to engage with historical reality, which is a created entity that modifies its form and creates new forms. This transformation process is central to understanding human interaction with reality.

Generative AI is fundamentally about creating new forms and possibilities by transforming input data into meaningful outputs. This aligns with Miki’s idea of transforming historical reality by altering conventional forms.

Just as Miki describes action as transcending subjective perspectives, generative AI transcends individual inputs (e.g., text, images) to generate new, creative outputs that are not strictly determined by the initial data but are innovative transformations of it.

The training of generative AI models involves learning from vast amounts of historical data. This process of learning and generating new outputs can be seen as an engagement with historical reality, much like Miki’s notion of action involving historical reality as a created entity.

AI models modify their understanding and generate new patterns, reflecting Miki’s idea of modifying and creating new forms through historical engagement.

Coaching is inherently about facilitating transformation in individuals. Coaches help clients transcend their current perspectives and engage with their own historical reality (past experiences, beliefs, and behaviors) to create new possibilities and achieve personal growth.

This mirrors Miki’s concept of action involving transcending subjective perspectives and modifying form, as coaching helps clients see beyond their immediate subjective experience to envision and create new outcomes.

Just as Miki speaks of creating new forms, coaching involves helping clients create new patterns of thought, behavior, and identity. This creative process in coaching is akin to the philosophical idea of transformation, where clients actively participate in reshaping their reality.

The role of a coach can be seen as guiding clients through a generative process, similar to how generative AI creates new outputs, by fostering an environment where clients can explore, experiment, and transform.

Generative AI tools can be used in coaching to provide new perspectives and insights, supporting the transformative process described by Miki. For example, AI-driven simulations or scenario generation can help clients visualize different future possibilities.

AI can also assist in creating personalized coaching materials that reflect the client's unique historical reality, enhancing the relevance and impact of the coaching process.

Integrating Miki’s philosophy into coaching practices involves adopting a mindset that views client transformation as a creative, dynamic process. Coaches can use this framework to help clients engage deeply with their historical reality and explore transformative actions.

By understanding the philosophical underpinnings of transformation, coaches can better support clients in transcending their current limitations and fostering meaningful change.

In summary, Kiyoshi Miki’s philosophy of transformation offers a profound framework for understanding and enhancing both generative AI and coaching.

His ideas can help practitioners in both fields foster creativity, transcendence, and meaningful engagement with reality.

Alvin Toffler, The Third Wave, Bantam Book, 1981

Engen Herrigel, Zen in the Art of Archery, Random House, 1981 (first published by Pantheon Books, 1953)

Kiyoshi Miki, Monika Kirloskar-Steinbach/Leah Kalmanson/Nader El-bizri Eds, John W. M. Krummel translated, Miki Kiyoshi's the Logic of Imagination: A Critical Introduction and Translation (Bloomsbury Introductions to World Philosophies), Bloomsbury USA Academic, 2024

Luciano Floridi, The 4th Revolution: How the Infosphere Is Reshaping Human Reality, Oxford Univ Pr; Reprint edition, 2016

Terry Winograd & Fernando Flores, Understanding Computers and Cognition – A New Foundation for Design, Ablex Publishing Corporation, 1986