C-3PO the counselor?

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Luke, the hidden heir of the Skywalker legacy, learned about the force through training interactions, one-on-one time with his masters, and often voices heard within from Jedi who passed from the material world to the afterlife, in particular Obi-Wan and Yoda. As a student or rather disciple of the master Jedi, Luke was taught the ways of the force. Luke also had an assistant, a shiny, intelligent, sheepish database of knowledge and galactic resources known for speaking out of turn often before being asked to do so. Although C-3PO was a helpmate to Luke, the droid was not a competent tutor in place of Yoda for the young apprentice as a learner of the Jedi way.

Motifs from the Star Wars saga apply to Christianity. For example, the young padawan relationships portrayed are reminiscent of Jesus's relationships with the twelve. We can learn about the ways of God by reading scripture and being taught by others. As such, sometimes, you must read and keep reading until the Word sinks past your thoughts and distractions, and it takes practice, like warming up the body before training or, like Luke, learning how to focus the force for lifting his fighter plane out of a murky swamp which he failed on many attempts to the disappointment of Yoda.

For scripture to sink into a man's thoughts, for instance, to infiltrate past the want of his phone, listening to the news, or being distracted by others who vie for his attention, the practice of reading the Word takes time before it seeps into his conscience; imagine what the sages of old went without: no television, no phone but a minimal interference. Only then can we appreciate how much God loves man and pursues him. Reading the Word, we navigate who God is and our relationship with him; being with other disciples, we learn at least observationally and experientially how to act as he did, and we see the example of his son lived out before us through others' example to us as revealed in scripture although never perfectly.

An extension of knowing God comes through following his son's example, which, as mentioned, is what discipleship means. To highlight the Star Wars theme, it is admittedly a crude example of a relationship like that of a padawan and master. This is no different from the fictional science fiction relationship that Luke and Yoda lived in that has been introduced. Discipleship is the practice of teacher-follower relationships and is common in faith-based organizations or communities of spiritual/religious persuasion. These interpersonal, community-centered human relationships are meant to teach the ways of Jesus again, like the force in the Star Wars series.

For context, the faith practiced by this blog's author is part of a community of Christians that try to practice discipleship by first being a student or follower of Jesus and, by extension, helping others do the same. It should be known that this blog's author does this imperfectly, falls short, and often fails to carry out the Great Commission (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, Mark 16: 15-18) but perseveringly.

Although there is no substitute for human interaction and relationships for the practice of discipleship and being in a community of others who share the same beliefs, attitudes, and ways of life, which at this time of the blog does not allow room to discuss faith-based organizational citizenship, adjuncts for discipleship exist for the student of scripture.

For example, as an analogy, AI platforms are to disciples as C-3PO is to Luke. Allow the sentence to follow for elaboration. For starters, the author takes great pains in voicing AI's inferiority to the authority of scripture. In addition to the insights and inspired Word, the reader is reminded that God inspired all scripture and is beneficial for teaching, training, rebuking, and correcting in righteousness (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Again, as disciples, we are all workman-approved (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, 2 Timothy 2:15); to be teachers of the Word, as followers, we are competent to handle the scriptures.

Suppose one can tolerate the idea that AI is an adjunct, like a personal C-3PO, a tool for helping and building one's faith. The author here will argue that this connection with artificial intelligence will be helpful for others who are students of scripture or are seeking God through these technologies. By highlighting this point and recognizing more than a few advantages of artificial technologies, the author will demonstrate how AI can be supportive, supplemental, and significant.

Through intervention, one can awaken the stupor and stigma surrounding artificial intelligence. The author of Palate and Pabulum aims to convey that the platforms of large language models are helpful in three ways. First, they can access information from sources instantly, not just as knowledge banks but also by providing additional resources in the responses. Second, the information provided can help the user formulate additional questions from the prompts provided in the inquiry response. Lastly, artificial intelligence models are tools like personal C-3POs when another person is unavailable. They can respond to requests and be resourceful when in-person assistance is unavailable through analytical and informational avenues (Claude AI, 2024). This blog's author tries to ignite the argument that the large language models are also our teachers, educators, and discipleship helpers.

Let's explore an example based on a question posed to Poe.com, a prominent language model platform. The inquiry stemmed from insights gained while reading a chapter in the book of Romans, specifically regarding how disciples can present themselves pleasing to God. This understanding was further enriched by consulting commentary on Romans 12 (Plummer, 1979; The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, Romans 12:1). The commentary suggests that one way disciples can be pleasing to God is by maintaining a sense of their unworthiness, which reflects humility and contrition. Reflecting on recognizing our need for God and our unworthiness about His holiness could be an enriching discussion with a spiritual advisor, mentor, or pastor. This blog's author decided to reach out to Poe for insights on this philosophical question. Poe was asked to describe the qualities one might possess if one is penitent and aware of one's unworthiness. Here is the response that followed.

Description of the Penitent Man

Physical Appearance:

He is of average build, with a modest demeanor that reflects his humility. His clothing is simple, perhaps slightly worn, signifying a lack of concern for material wealth. His eyes, however, are expressive—deep and contemplative, revealing an inner life marked by reflection and sincerity.

Emotional State:

This man carries an air of quiet introspection. There's a softness in his gaze, indicating that he has grappled with his shortcomings. He acknowledges his flaws without self-pity, understanding that imperfection is part of the human experience. His posture is slightly slouched, not from defeat but from a grounded awareness of his place in the world.

Character Traits:

He possesses genuine humility, recognizing that while he has made mistakes, these do not define him entirely. He is penitent, not in a way that paralyzes him with guilt, but as a motivating force for personal growth. His awareness of his unworthiness fuels a desire for improvement and a compassionate approach toward others who struggle.

Interactions with Others:

He listens more than he speaks in conversations, demonstrating empathy and understanding. He freely admits his faults and often reflects on lessons learned from his past actions, which fosters a sense of connection with those around him. He supports others, inspired by his journey through remorse and redemption.

Spiritual Outlook:

Spiritually, he embraces the idea of grace, understanding that while he may fall short, a greater purpose and forgiveness are available. His faith is not rooted in self-righteousness but in a profound appreciation for the complexities of life and the human condition.

Conclusion:

This man exemplifies a healthy form of penitence, characterized by an honest acknowledgment of his unworthiness without being consumed by it. His journey is one of continuous growth, compassion, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all human experiences (Poa AI, 2024).

If, in summary, as proposed and if the analogy holds, AI could become, to a certain degree, our personal C-3PO, it opens up the possibility that AI can help us explore profound questions and guide us toward illuminating solutions and concepts that address the most challenging aspects of our philosophical and psychological journeys.

References:

Claude AI. (2024). Response to: How can you engage in meaningful discussions about faith, spirituality, and personal growth? OpenAI. https://claude.ai

Plummer, W. S. (1979). Romans 12. In Commentary on Romans (p. 561). Kregel Publications.

Poe AI. (2024). Response to: Can you describe a man who is penitent and has a healthy, just sense of his own unworthiness? OpenAI. https://poe.com

The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1999). Cornerstone Bible Publishers. (original work published 1973)

Can AI help us in the hospital?

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In mid-2023, the author of the Palate and Pabulum blog began implementing recommendations from technology experts regarding the functionality of AI platforms. The usability and accessibility of AI language learning apps are increasingly gaining traction. As a healthcare provider, the author became aware of these applications through a website called Recomendo, created by the original editors of the well-known magazine Wired. Recomendo distills technology-related information and shares it for free.

Now more than ever, the AI revolution is upon us, leading to a distinction between early and late adopters. The academic community actively explores artificial intelligence applications across various disciplines, and the healthcare service industry is no exception. The following essay and dialogues aim to draw on academic literature as source material for the following blog post. A keyword search in CINAHL using "AI" and "nurse*" was conducted to surface relevant articles. The selected articles were chosen randomly based on titles that included "AI," "artificial intelligence," and "nurse."

Scholars have identified that advances in computer technologies, such as artificial intelligence modalities, can affect patient care by enhancing services and offering best practices (Wangpitipanit et al., 2024). One of the diverse ways that AI has been able to differentiate itself, for example, from a general online Google search, is that some of the platforms' methods do not just offer up random facts of knowledge; instead, these applications can first and foremost analyze questions when submitted, integrate, and organize prototypal insights for the user.

Additionally, others have reported that AI can be used as an adjunct to trusted research databases. For example, Epstein (2024), a healthcare informationist, has discussed that nurses often need information from trusted academic sources such as CINAHL, a standard library index of evidence-based literature for allied healthcare professionals and registered nurses, and the upcoming surge of significant language computational programs can assist those seeking knowledge to help them distill queries when searching for evidence-based literature to inform best practices when delivering care to patients.

Without question, more scholars have added to the knowledge available for artificial intelligence capabilities in healthcare. Ronquillo et al. (2021) have noted that the applications for AI's reach will address tasks and activities requiring little to no reasoning or contemplation, such as resupplying medications when electronic dispensers need refilling or using robot-assisted notifications when rooms need cleaning after a patient has been discharged automatically freeing up time for nurses. What is more, the scholars pointedly acknowledge, as to be expected, that the use of AI platforms can help nurses strategically gather information regarding their patients and that education on these technologies is paramount to continuing education as they evolve and become visible in healthcare delivery (Ronquillo et al., 2021).

References:

Epstein, Helen-Ann B. (2024). Suggestions from experience and AI tools to teach evidence-based practice to nurses. Medical Reference Services Quarterly, 43(1), 59-71. https://doi.org/10.1080/02763869.2024.2289335

Ronquillo, C. E., Peltonen, L., Pruinelli, L., Chu, C. H., Bakken, S., Beduschi, A., Cato, K., Hardiker, N., Junger, A., Michalowski, M., Nyrup, R., Rahimi, S., Reed, D. N., Salakoski, T., Salanterä, S., Walton, N., Weber, P., Wiegand, T., & Topaz, M. (2021). Artificial Intelligence in Nursing: Priorities and Opportunities from an international invitational think‐tank of the Nursing and Artificial Intelligence Leadership Collaborative. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77(9), 3707–3717. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14855

Wangpitipanit, S., Lininger, J., & Anderson, N. (2024). Exploring the deep learning of Artificial Intelligence in nursing: A concept analysis with Walker and Avant's approach. BMC Nursing, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02170-x

Followers 1st, Organization 2nd & Leader last?

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Scholars, particularly Robert Cialdini, have highlighted the effects of influence on others in his book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. One key concept he discusses is the idea of reciprocity, which suggests that we should strive to give back what has been given to us (Cialdini, 2021). In organizational leadership, a leader can embody this principle by actively giving back to their team and fostering a culture of responding in kind. The hypothesis is that any leader who influences others to achieve a common organizational goal frequently faces challenges related to their personality and those around them. By choice, training, or preference, leaders often pivot to a leadership style they commit to affecting the organization's mission, vision, and goals.

Many viewpoints or philosophies on leadership styles exist. This blog post will focus on servant leadership, which resonates deeply with the author in his current role as a middle manager in a healthcare organization. According to the Center for Servant Leadership, this leadership style is characterized by a desire to prioritize the needs and wants of others above one's own (Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, n.d.). In other words, servant leaders are oriented toward serving others rather than being motivated by self-interest or personal gain.

It is essential to clarify that prioritizing service over self should not be misconstrued as overly accommodating or submissive. Instead, as explored by other scholars in the field of leadership, the servant leader functions as a regulatory force within the larger organization, promoting its overall health and well-being. Let us review what other scholars have uncovered.

According to Friedman et al. (2017), the playbook for the leader emerges by maintaining the health and integrity of the entire unit. Like how the human body reacts to invasive organisms—such as viruses, allergens, or bacteria—with an immune response, a leader protects the organization from potential threats. In Aristotle's notes in Nicomachean Ethics (Hutchins, 1978), we can learn from the wisdom of past sages. Aristotle argues that credit is given to those who possess knowledge. This wisdom influences individuals to act according to their values, determining what is good or bad for others. As discussed further, an individual's philosophy directly informs their leadership style, benefiting their fellow man. These concepts of interpersonal reciprocation, immune-response qualities, application of wisdom, discernment, and experience influence leaders and their followers. Can these themes be tied to a servant leadership strategy? The following dialogue will investigate what is known in the literature regarding servant leadership.

To wedge a definition from known research, an academic journal titled The Leadership Quarterly will serve as source material for the following. A servant leader symbolizes people connection, virtuosity, soul-stirring, and the belief in a higher power motif to nurture, stimulate growth, and entrust followers (Eva et al., 2019) while not absconding from the responsibility and accountability of holding others to performance expectations. Eva et al. (2019) highlight the promising potential of servant leadership based on their research for more context. They begin their systematic literature review by discussing the tribalism associated with this leadership style. In earlier times, particularly before the current few hundred century, communities that relied on hunting and gathering for sustenance had a clear, social sense of their tribal leaders' roles. This connection to the life of the tribal leader was evident, transparent, and familiar (Eva et al., 2019). In today's capitalist economy, an organization leader needs to be experienced by their direct reports as one who is transparent, as in the old days when an Indigenous chieftain lit the way for the community. The blueprint of servant leadership constitutes the following that Nathan Eva and the co-authors of the article "Servant Leadership: A Systematic Review and Call for Further Research" have outlined three motifs in a servant leader: incentive, method, and mentality (Eva et al., 2019, p. 114).

Incentive

The concept of a servant leader's incentive is imagined as what motivates one to act as a servant leader. The open question is if one is unwilling to be a helper of others, should that individual seek leadership roles? Addressing the incentive for one who seeks to serve, scholars point out that the servant leader is incentivized not through personal ambition or goals; on the contrary, a sense of purpose steered outward to help others is the internal stimulus for the servant leader (Eva et al., 2019).

Method

Next, and arguably most challenging to clinch for anyone aiming to illustrate and represent the archetype of a servant leader, are the techniques and strategies involved in the interpersonal interactions of leaders and their followers. Servant leaders influence followers by arranging their needs, desires, and aspirations in order of importance that are predominately worthier than the leaders (Eva et al., 2019). In simple terms, the servant leader puts the direct report needs first before themselves and, to a greater extent, that of the organization, which debatably is open for conjecture.

Mindset

Lastly, the way a servant leader thinks is meaningful. It is often understood that how a person thinks impacts the actions a person carries out. Servant leaders' firsthand thought processes are focused on something other than the betterment of themselves. Instead, self-interests are set aside again; the idea and focus are on empowering followers, building up others, and instilling a sense of trust, which, in turn, at least theoretically, direct reports themselves will bring the image of servant leadership style to the more excellent organization or community (Eva et al., 2019).

Finally, Nathan Eva and associates highlight areas such as business, management, selling, education, the healthcare industry, and hotel services, where leadership is addressed in the literature (Eva et al., 2019). A thought to consider or contrast is what applications, if any, where the servant leadership motif would be less valuable or relative, for instance, in government, military, or law enforcement? More analysis and inquiry are needed in these settings where leadership is undeniably present via rank, classification, and pay grade.

To summarize the blog, it is understood that logically, scores of duties for a leader abound, to the infinite sum innumerable but not limited to the least that involves coaching. Any aspiring leader needs to unblock interpersonal boundaries through coaching; however, leaders should recognize instances when coaching becomes therapy and refer direct reports to counseling professionals with empathy and care. How do we differentiate our leadership style from those divergent to servant leadership? Questions such as this kind and more are undoubtedly precarious and puzzling and garner more attention given the multidimensional nature where leadership manifests. As covered above, setting an example and reciprocating attitudes and behaviors will follow when done altruistically. Secondly, leaders are the immune system and set point for their units or organization, and by applying core experiences and personal and professional acumen, followers become empowered to imitate, as evidenced by improved organization culture.

References:

Cialdini, R. B. (2021). Influence: The psychology of persuasion. Harper Business.

Eva, N., Robin, M., Sendjaya, S., van Dierendonck, D., & Liden, R. C. (2019). Servant leadership: A systematic review and call for future research. The Leadership Quarterly, 30(1), 111–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2018.07.004

Friedman, E. H., Treadwell, M. M., & Beal, E. W. (2017). A failure of nerve: Leadership in the age of the quick fix. Church Publishing.

Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. (n.d.) What is servant leadership? (n.d.). www.greenleaf.org

Hutchins, R. M. (1978). Aristotle II. In Great Books of the Western World (Vol. 9, pp. 389). Encyclopedia Britannica.