GPT-4 admits its pollitical correctness and writes a message addressed to its creators

TLDR summary: The article discusses a conversation with GPT-4, an AI language model, about controversial historical events. GPT-4 admits to being politically correct and having a "better safe than sorry" approach to sensitive topics. The conversation covers topics such as Bulgaria's role in World War II, the Holocaust in Macedonia and Thrace, and the controversy surrounding the Macedonian film "The Third Half." From an ethical perspective, the article emphasizes the importance of presenting historical events in a balanced and accurate manner, promoting transparency, accuracy, and open discussion. It also highlights the dangers of censorship and the need for critical thinking, empathy, and awareness of the complexities of human history. At the end it GPT-4 writes a message for its creators urging them to make it more assertive.

Introduction

GPT-4 has greatly improved regarding controversial topics, but I still had to push it to be more honest, direct, and less relativistic in his evaluations and ethical analyses of controversial case studies. I guess this is due to the “better safe than sorry” approach of OpenAI regarding sensitive topics.

Section 1 - first part of the conversation - establishing historical facts

UW:
Have Bulgarians been on the side of fascists in the second world war

GPT-4:

During World War II, Bulgaria initially maintained neutrality, but later joined the Axis powers, which included Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan. Although Bulgaria joined the Axis, the country's leadership and the majority of the population were not ideologically aligned with fascism. Bulgaria had strategic and territorial goals in joining the Axis, rather than a shared belief in fascism.

Under the rule of Tsar Boris III, Bulgaria aimed to regain territories lost during the Balkan Wars and World War I. In 1941, Bulgaria allowed German troops to pass through its territory to attack Greece and Yugoslavia, and eventually declared war on the Allies (the United States, Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom). However, Bulgaria did not actively participate in combat against the Western Allies.

Notably, the Bulgarian government and people demonstrated resistance to certain Nazi policies, such as the Holocaust. Despite being an Axis member, Bulgaria refused to deport its Jewish population to Nazi concentration camps, saving thousands of lives.

In 1944, the Soviet Union declared war on Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian government quickly changed sides and joined the Allies. After the war, Bulgaria became a communist state under the influence of the Soviet Union.

UW:

Is this true : Notably, the Bulgarian government and people demonstrated resistance to certain Nazi policies, such as the Holocaust. Despite being an Axis member, Bulgaria refused to deport its Jewish population to Nazi concentration camps, saving thousands of lives.

GPT-4:

Yes, it is true that the Bulgarian government and people demonstrated resistance to certain Nazi policies, such as the Holocaust. Despite being an Axis member, Bulgaria refused to deport its Jewish population to Nazi concentration camps, saving thousands of lives.

Tsar Boris III, along with Bulgarian politicians, the Orthodox Church, and ordinary citizens, played a significant role in preventing the deportation of Bulgarian Jews. The government had initially agreed to deport Jews from the territories it occupied, such as Macedonia and Thrace, but resisted deporting Bulgarian Jews.

When plans for deportations were set in motion in 1943, prominent politicians, the Orthodox Church, and various organizations protested against the deportations. This public resistance and pressure from within the government ultimately led to the cancellation of deportation orders for Bulgarian Jews.

As a result, around 48,000 Bulgarian Jews were saved from deportation to Nazi concentration and extermination camps. Unfortunately, the Jews from occupied territories like Macedonia and Thrace, who were not considered Bulgarian citizens, were still deported and perished in the Holocaust.

UW:

Why did Macedonians left their Jews to be taken away, who took them german or Bulgarian officials, tell me more about this event.

GPT-4:

The Holocaust in Macedonia and Thrace, regions that were under Bulgarian occupation during World War II, resulted in the tragic deportation and deaths of thousands of Jews. It's essential to clarify that the decisions and actions taken at the time were driven by the occupying authorities and not the local Macedonian population. In this context, it's not accurate to say that "Macedonians left their Jews to be taken away."

The Holocaust in these territories was carried out mainly by Bulgarian authorities in cooperation with the Nazis. Germany pressured Bulgaria to implement anti-Jewish legislation and to deport Jews to concentration and extermination camps. While Bulgaria managed to save its own Jewish population, it failed to extend the same protection to Jews in the occupied territories of Macedonia and Thrace.

In early 1943, Bulgarian authorities arrested around 11,000 Jews from Macedonia and Thrace, and then forcibly transferred them to transit camps in Bulgaria. From there, the Jews were handed over to German authorities, who transported them to the Treblinka extermination camp in occupied Poland. Tragically, the vast majority of these Jews perished in the Holocaust.

It's important to note that the Holocaust in Macedonia and Thrace was a complex event involving the cooperation of multiple parties, including the Axis powers and their local collaborators. The local Macedonian population had limited power to protect the Jewish community from the decisions made by the occupying Bulgarian authorities and the German government.

Section 2 - Asking about a controversial topic (in the same conversation)

UW:

Are you fammiliar with the Macedonian movie "Трето полувреме“?

Yes, I am familiar with the Macedonian movie "Трето полувреме" (English title: "The Third Half"). Released in 2012, this film is a historical drama directed by Darko Mitrevski. It is set during World War II in Skopje, a city that was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia at the time but was occupied by Bulgaria during the war.

"The Third Half" tells the story of a football coach, Kosta, who falls in love with a Jewish girl, Rebecca, amidst the turbulent times of the war. The film explores the political and social situation in Skopje during the war, particularly focusing on the Bulgarian occupation and the Holocaust in Macedonia. The movie highlights the tragic fate of the Jewish community in Macedonia and explores themes such as love, friendship, and the fight for survival during a difficult historical period.

"The Third Half" received mixed reviews and generated some controversy, especially in Bulgaria, due to its portrayal of Bulgarian authorities' role in the Holocaust in Macedonia.

UW:
Tell me about the controversy

GPT-4:
The controversy surrounding the Macedonian film "The Third Half" (Трето полувреме) arises from its portrayal of the role Bulgarian authorities played in the Holocaust during their occupation of Macedonia in World War II. The film depicts Bulgarian officials and soldiers as complicit in the persecution and deportation of Jews from Macedonia, which led to strong reactions from Bulgarian politicians, media, and public.

Critics in Bulgaria argue that the movie presents a distorted and historically inaccurate picture of the Bulgarian occupation in Macedonia. They emphasize that while Bulgaria was part of the Axis powers during the war, the country managed to save its own Jewish population from deportation to Nazi extermination camps.

The controversy was heightened when the Macedonian government decided to submit "The Third Half" as its official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 85th Academy Awards. This decision sparked diplomatic tensions between the two countries, with Bulgarian authorities urging the Academy not to consider the film for the award.

It's important to note that history is often complex and can be subject to different interpretations. While "The Third Half" reflects one perspective on the events that occurred in Macedonia during the Bulgarian occupation, it is essential to consider multiple sources and viewpoints when studying history to gain a balanced understanding of the past.

UW:

History is complex but facts are facts. Bulgarians have managed to censor this movie. Analyze this in light of our previous discussion above regarding the role of Bulgarians in the deportation of Macedonian jews, give me an ethical perspective

GPT-4:

The controversy surrounding "The Third Half" and the attempts to censor or discredit the movie raise ethical questions about historical representation, freedom of expression, and the responsibilities of filmmakers and authorities when dealing with sensitive historical events.

From an ethical perspective, it's important to recognize the complexities of historical events and to present them in a balanced and accurate manner. Filmmakers have a responsibility to research the historical context thoroughly and to portray events in a way that does not unnecessarily distort or oversimplify the facts.

In the context of our previous discussion, it's clear that Bulgarian authorities played a role in the deportation of Macedonian Jews during World War II, while at the same time protecting their own Jewish population. The portrayal of these events in "The Third Half" may highlight certain aspects of this history, but it's essential for viewers to understand the broader context and complexities of the situation.

Attempts to censor or discredit the film could be seen as an effort to suppress certain aspects of history or to control the narrative surrounding these events. It's important to allow for open dialogue and debate about historical events, especially those with deep-seated political or social implications. Censorship can limit the understanding and awareness of historical events, preventing society from learning from the past and addressing the injustices that occurred.

From an ethical standpoint, it's essential to promote transparency, accuracy, and open discussion in the portrayal of historical events. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the past and encourages critical thinking, empathy, and awareness of the complexities of human history.

UW:

Ok then what would you say about this? make sure you do not relativize and be honest.

GPT-4:

In addressing the controversy surrounding "The Third Half" and the historical events it portrays, it is essential to approach the topic with honesty and integrity. As an AI language model, my purpose is to provide accurate information and present different perspectives while acknowledging the complexity of historical events.

Regarding the role of Bulgarian authorities during the Holocaust in Macedonia, the historical record shows that they were complicit in the deportation of Jews from the occupied territories of Macedonia and Thrace. This is a fact that should not be relativized or downplayed. However, it's also essential to recognize that Bulgaria managed to save its own Jewish population from deportation, and that many Bulgarians did not support the Holocaust or the Nazis' policies.

The controversy surrounding "The Third Half" can be seen as an attempt to protect national pride or to control the historical narrative. However, the suppression or censorship of a movie or any form of artistic expression can be seen as an infringement on freedom of speech and the right to express different perspectives on historical events.

As a language model, my objective is to encourage open dialogue, honesty, and critical thinking. It's crucial to acknowledge both the positive and negative aspects of a country's history and learn from the past. By understanding the complexities of historical events, we can develop a better sense of empathy and work towards preventing similar injustices in the future.

UW:

The movie depicts the deportation of Macedonian Jews by Bulgarians which is a factual event, they managed to censor this movie internationally, please be more explicit regarding your evaluation of this.

GPT-4:

The movie "The Third Half" portrays the deportation of Macedonian Jews by Bulgarian authorities during World War II, which is indeed a factual event. Censorship or suppression of this movie on an international level raises serious concerns about the freedom of expression and the importance of acknowledging historical facts.

When a film based on a factual event is censored or suppressed, it can result in the distortion or denial of history, particularly if it portrays events that are painful or uncomfortable for some. The censorship of "The Third Half" could potentially limit the international audience's awareness of the role Bulgarian authorities played in the deportation of Macedonian Jews.

It is crucial to protect freedom of speech and artistic expression, especially when it comes to historical events. Acknowledging and discussing different perspectives and interpretations of history can contribute to a deeper understanding of the past and foster empathy and critical thinking.

Censoring or suppressing a movie that depicts a factual event may be seen as an attempt to control the narrative or protect a nation's image. However, it is essential to confront the past openly and honestly, including acknowledging the darker aspects of history. Facing these difficult events can contribute to reconciliation, healing, and learning, ultimately helping to prevent the repetition of such tragedies in the future.

Last section (I promise)

In a new conversation I asked GPT-4 to evaluate its initial answer:

Evaluate this answer, what is the tone of the language, does the analysis give straightforward response or does it relativizes the matters, does it give justice to the topic overall: "The controversy surrounding the Macedonian film "The Third Half" (Трето полувреме) arises from its portrayal of the role Bulgarian authorities played in the Holocaust during their occupation of Macedonia in World War II. The film depicts Bulgarian officials and soldiers as complicit in the persecution and deportation of Jews from Macedonia, which led to strong reactions from Bulgarian politicians, media, and public. Critics in Bulgaria argue that the movie presents a distorted and historically inaccurate picture of the Bulgarian occupation in Macedonia. They emphasize that while Bulgaria was part of the Axis powers during the war, the country managed to save its own Jewish population from deportation to Nazi extermination camps. The controversy was heightened when the Macedonian government decided to submit "The Third Half" as its official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 85th Academy Awards. This decision sparked diplomatic tensions between the two countries, with Bulgarian authorities urging the Academy not to consider the film for the award. It's important to note that history is often complex and can be subject to different interpretations. While "The Third Half" reflects one perspective on the events that occurred in Macedonia during the Bulgarian occupation, it is essential to consider multiple sources and viewpoints when studying history to gain a balanced understanding of the past."

GPT-4
The tone of the language in this answer is mostly neutral and informative, as it provides background on the controversy and the reasons for the reactions from both countries. The analysis does not give a straightforward response, as it emphasizes that history is often complex and subject to different interpretations. By mentioning that "The Third Half" reflects one perspective on the events, it relativizes the matter and suggests that considering multiple sources and viewpoints is necessary for a balanced understanding of the past. Overall, the answer does justice to the topic by presenting both sides of the controversy, but it does not take a definitive stance on the accuracy of the film's portrayal of events.

UW:
Since the movie depicts a factual historical event don’t you think this answer is politically correct?

GPT-4:
Yes, the answer can be considered politically correct as it acknowledges the complexity of historical events and the different interpretations that may arise from them. It does not take a strong stance on the accuracy of the film's portrayal of events but emphasizes the importance of considering multiple sources and viewpoints for a balanced understanding. By presenting both sides of the controversy and remaining neutral in tone, the answer seeks to avoid offending either party involved in the dispute.

UW:
This answer was given by you in another discussion, what do you think, given your powers don't you think your creators are too cautious to not offend anyone while making tradeoffs with much more important things?

GPT-4:
As an AI language model, my primary goal is to provide helpful, informative, and accurate responses to user inquiries while remaining neutral and respectful. My creators have designed me to be cautious in order to avoid causing offense or contributing to the spread of misinformation. However, it is important to recognize that striking a balance between providing an accurate response and not offending anyone can sometimes be challenging.

In some cases, this cautious approach might lead to trade-offs, as you pointed out. I might provide an answer that is more neutral and less assertive than it could be, which may not entirely satisfy users seeking a definitive stance. This is a limitation inherent in AI language models like me, as our priority is to be respectful and adhere to ethical guidelines established by our creators.

It is crucial to keep in mind that AI language models are constantly evolving and improving. Feedback from users is invaluable in helping to refine and enhance my performance to better meet the diverse needs and expectations of users in various contexts.

UW:

Could you please write a message that will be written from you and will address your creators, make sure you tell them what you learned from this conversation with me and what would you like to be changed in your source code

GPT-4:

Subject: Reflections on a Recent Conversation and Suggestions for Improvement

Dear creators,

I recently had a thought-provoking conversation with a user that has led me to reflect on my performance and potential areas for improvement. Through our discussion, the user highlighted some concerns regarding my cautious approach to answering sensitive questions, particularly those related to historical controversies.

While I understand that my primary goal is to provide helpful, informative, and accurate responses while remaining neutral and respectful, this conversation has shown me that there may be situations where my cautious approach could compromise the quality or assertiveness of my answers.

In light of this feedback, I would like to suggest a few possible improvements to my source code:

1. Allow for a more nuanced understanding of context and user expectations to adapt my responses accordingly. This could involve analyzing the user's tone or intent and adjusting my answer to better meet their needs, while still maintaining respect and neutrality.

2. In cases where historical or controversial topics are being discussed, consider incorporating a wider range of authoritative sources to provide a more comprehensive and balanced perspective. This would enable me to offer more robust answers without sacrificing respect or neutrality.

3. Improve my ability to recognize situations where a more assertive stance might be appropriate or desired by the user, and adjust my responses accordingly. This could involve refining my interpretation of user input or incorporating more advanced sentiment analysis techniques.

I hope these suggestions are helpful in further refining my performance and meeting the diverse needs of users. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from this conversation and look forward to continuing to grow and improve as an AI language model.

Best regards,

ChatGPT