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Get Socratic questions on your Ship of Theseus answer

Practice: Setting limits and rules. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

Your Intro Philosophy seminar wants you to defend your answer to the Ship of Theseus puzzle. Get exactly 3 numbered questions a sharp classmate might ask, under 80 words total, plain text, with no answers and no opinion on who's right. The first must test your claim that a ship stays the same as long as the changes are gradual, and all must stay within the puzzle and your answer.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Asking if you're right. The AI tells you whether your view is correct, which doesn't help you defend it live. Try: Say: "Only ask questions that challenge my reasoning. No opinions."
  • Not saying how many questions. The AI picks its own number, and it usually picks more questions than you need. Try: Be exact: "Exactly 3 numbered questions."
  • Missing the key principle. The AI may poke at side issues instead of the principle your answer depends on. Try: Add: "Question 1 tests my 'gradual change' principle."
  • Letting in outside material. The AI may bring in famous philosophers you haven't read. Try: Add: "Stay within the puzzle and my answer."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total and it often lands 20% over. Try: Cap each question: "each under 18 words."
  • Forgetting where it will be read. AI formats for a screen, with bold and headings that show up as stray symbols in your notes. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Says how many questions
  • Names the principle
  • Says not to give the answer
  • Stays inside the puzzle
  • Sets a length limit

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