DOI: 10.31038/MGSPE.2024442

Abstract

This paper presents a new, AI-based computer approach to simulate as well as stimulate critical thinking and generate potential innovations in a topic chosen by the researcher. The presentation here speculates with the help of AI regarding the outlook for homelessness in th United States. The paper shows the different stages of critical thinking for this topic and provides examples of how to develop a critical thinking mind-set. The technology is resident in a publicly available website, www.BimiLeap.com.

Introduction

Homelessness is a widespread issue in the United States, with approximately 500,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. The causes of homelessness are complex and varied, including factors such as lack of affordable housing, poverty, mental illness, and substance abuse. Those experiencing homelessness often face numerous challenges, including lack of access to necessities such as food and shelter, as well as barriers to employment and healthcare [1-4]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to play a significant role in addressing homelessness in the future. AI can be used to analyze data and identify trends in homelessness, allowing policymakers to make more informed decisions about resource allocation and intervention strategies. AI can also be used to develop predictive models that can anticipate homelessness trends and help target interventions to those most at risk. Additionally, AI can be used to streamline processes and improve efficiency in the delivery of services to individuals experiencing homelessness [5-9]

This paper presents an attempt use generative AI (Chat GPT3.5) accessed and prompted by Idea Coach, a feature in the Mind Genomics platform, BimiLeap.com. the approach shows how to use AI to study homelessness as a problem, using simulations (fly on the wall technique), AI-generated questions and answers, and then critical thinking about the results suggested by AI. The paper finishes with using AI to generate 10 suggested innovations, and for each innovation the paper shows how AI can dissect the innovation into its components and business opportunities.

Phase 1 – The Fly on the Wall Strategy Simulated through AI

The phrase “fly on the wall” refers to being able to listen in on a talk without being seen. In this case, “fly on the wall” refers to both that action and knowing what someone is thinking and why they are saying something. Being a fly on the wall in a meeting gives one a unique view of conversations and exchanges that might not have been seen otherwise. Oen can learn more about people’s goals and motivations by listening in on their conversations and hearing their private thoughts. This can be especially helpful when talking about touchy or controversial issues, because it lets one hear other points of view without getting involved in the conversation directly (Table 1).

Table 1: ‘Fly on the wall’ strategy at local meeting in ‘Smallville, USA, a town with coping with homelessness.

Besides that, being a fly on the wall gives one some privacy and objectivity. One can listen to the discussion without taking part and form their own opinions based on what they hear. This can help one learn more about a complicated issue, like homelessness in oner neighborhood, by gathering information about it. Being a “fly on the wall” can also help one figure out political goals and hidden agendas that are not talked about publicly. One can find out about underlying tensions or alliances which may affect decision-making by listening in on private thoughts and responses. This is often very important for getting a sense of how a meeting or group really works. Being a “fly on the wall” also lets one get a better sense of how people talk to each other and who has power in a group. One can figure out alliances and hierarchies that aren’t clear at first glance by watching who asks what questions and how others answer. This can help one understand how choices are made and who has power in a certain situation [10-13] (Table 1).

Phase 2 – Jumpstarting Learning by Instructing the AI to Create Sets of 15 Questions and Answers

Working with AI to create questions and answers benefits critical thinking by promoting creativity, prompting exploration of different angles, improving problem-solving abilities, enhancing analytical skills, and fostering innovation. The Idea Coach feature of BimiLeap.com, the Mind genomics platform, can come up with 15 different questions detailed answers in less than 30 seconds. For a deep analysis in a very short time, the process can be done almost effortlessly, with an iteration completed every half minute, for a total of 300 questions and answers in 10 minutes. Across all 300 questions about a third to a half will be unique, and not repeats. The benefit for critical thinking is clear, if only that AI can, in a virtually automated fashion, produce thousands of questions and answers in an hour, sufficient for a rapid education in the topic [14-17] (Table 2).

Table 2: Questions and Answers from Iteration #21.

Critical Thinking – Letting AI Review Its Own Questions, and Identify Questions Which Were Missing

After the ‘study’ is closed, the AI reviews the material it created, shown in Tables 1 and 2. AI then identifies questions that may have been ‘missed’ being asked, and presents them. Table 3 shows the remaining 10 questions identified by AI in its ‘self-review’. These 10 questions were run separately, with the same instructions as given in Table 2. Table 3 shows the remaining 10 questions and their answers. The number is consistent with that used in Tables 1 and 2 [18-21].

Table 3: Questions discovered by AI not to have been asked previously by AI, with their AI-generated answers.

Critical Thinking – Key Ideas and Themes in the 15 Original Questions and Answers

Dividing the topic of homelessness into key ideas, identifying themes, can significantly enhance critical thinking skills, particularly when working on a do-it-yourself project. By delving into various perspectives, one can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the issue of homelessness and develop a more well-rounded approach to addressing it. This process forces individuals to think critically about the root causes of homelessness, the societal factors at play, and the potential solutions that can be implemented. Table 4 shows the key ideas and the themes [22-24].

Table 4: AI-abstracted key ideas and themes.

Critical Thinking – Alternative Views and Systematizing Them Through Perspectives

People are pushed to question their own views and biases when they look at things from different points of view. This leads to a more open-minded and objective analysis of the issue at hand. By doing this, people not only improve their minds, but they also start to think about more options and answers. Finding perspectives in the topic of homelessness can also help people organize their thoughts and ideas in a way that makes sense. This makes it easier to see patterns and links between different points of view (Table 5).

Table 5: Alternative viewpoints regarding topics involved in homelessness, and formalized analysis of these differences through perspectives.

By looking at things from different points of view, people can see the problem of homelessness from more than one angle, which helps them understand and care about those who are homeless. People can think about different points of view and approaches, which can help them come up with more creative and useful answers. Overall, breaking up ideas into different points of view, formalizing the through perspectives and exploring themes forces people to think more deeply and critically [25-27].

Critical Thinking – Which Audiences are Likely to be Interested Versus Which Audiences are Likely to Oppose

Understanding the accepting and opposing audiences allows one to more deeply understand multiple perspectives before making decisions related to homelessness in Smallville township. By understanding the potential supporters and detractors of each proposed solution, one can anticipate challenges and resistance, and adjust the approach accordingly. This level of critical thinking helps identify potential pitfalls and ensures that the proposed solutions have a higher chance of successful implementation (Table 6).

Table 6: Responses of interested versus opposing audiences.

The understanding of responses by different audiences lets one consider the feasibility and impact of each solution in a more nuanced way. By recognizing the diverse viewpoints within the community, one ca approach problem-solving with a more holistic understanding of the situation. This process ultimately leads to more effective and sustainable solutions for addressing homelessness in the Smallville township (Table 6).

Critical Thinking – ‘Deep Dive’ Analysis of 10 AI-suggested Innovations

With AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns, it can suggest innovative solutions that may have been overlooked by human researchers. Additionally, AI can provide real-time feedback on the effectiveness of these inventions, allowing for quick adjustments and improvements. This can greatly accelerate the progress in tackling homelessness and provide more efficient and effective solutions for those in need.

However, it is important to critically analyze the potential drawbacks of relying too heavily on AI in addressing homelessness. Whereas AI can provide valuable insights and recommendations, it may lack the empathy and understanding that human intervention can offer. It is essential to strike a balance between using AI as a tool for innovation and ensuring that human intervention and support are still prioritized in addressing the complex and nuanced issue of homelessness.

A standard feature of the BimiLeap.com platform is that at the end of each iteration, and after having reviewed all the information generated in that iteration, the AI suggests innovations, and for each innovation does a ‘deep dive’. That ‘deep dive’ looks at the nature of the innovation, the explanation of the innovation, its importance, uniqueness, attractiveness and degree of expected social good. The ‘deep dive’ finishes with slogans, and then with the different facets of a ‘business pitch’. Table 7 shows the real depth of the analysis for the 10 innovations [28-33].

Table 7: ‘Deep dive’ analysis of 10 innovations generated during one iteration (#21).

Discussion and Conclusions

Critical thinking is essential for solving complex issues like homelessness, as it helps individuals weigh options based on facts and common sense. It helps avoid relying on assumptions or stereotypes, and allows individuals to see things from different perspectives. Critical thinking also helps individuals question the status quo and come up with new solutions, ensuring solutions are based on diverse experiences and perspectives. It also encourages a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, allowing for flexible and adaptable solutions. For instance, if one is unfamiliar with homelessness, critical thinking can help them understand the main causes, current laws, and available tools to help homeless individuals find stable housing. Overall, critical thinking is a useful skill for people who want to deal with tough social problems like homelessness. People can make real changes to help end homelessness in their community by keeping an open mind, asking deep questions, looking for solid proof, and coming up with creative solutions.

Within this framework, the strategy of simulating and stimulating critical thinking using the Mind Genomics platform provides a promising tool, perhaps a tutorial. In a matter of minutes up front, and with output later on, the user can try out one, two, even a dozen or more alternative scenarios and issues, with the analysis automatic, simple, rapid, easy to understand, and occasionally even profound.

Acknowledgments

The ‘research stimulations’ for this paper emerged from iteration 21 (Results 21_ using AI access through the Idea Coach feature of BimiLeap.com. The AI, Chat GPT3.5, provided all the AI-based material. Bimileap.com is openly available for public use at a modest platform fee. BimiLeap.com is the platform for the emerging science of Mind Genomics, the inspiration for the work shown here.

The authors wish to thank Vanessa M. Arcenas for her ongoing help in preparing this and other manuscripts in this series.

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