Don’t Be Sorry, Just Declare It: Pedagogical Principles for the Ethical Use of ChatGPT, Master Bullshit Artist of Our Time

This work aims to respond to the pedagogical challenges posed by ChatGPT, the most popular manifestation of generative AI. The first part examines ChatGPT from a critical perspective, deploying the philosophical work of Harry Frankfurt "On Bullshit" (2005) to conclude that ChatGPT is the master "bullshit artist" of our time. The second part illustrates the integration of four principles to promote its ethical use: caution, trust, relevance, and transparency. These principles are informed by industry standards and, in essence, come to reflect the advice provided by Australian Customs and Biosecurity to people who arrive in Australia: "Don’t Be Sorry, Just Declare It." The third part provides evidence of the implementation of this approach in courses with a combined enrolment of 214 students over two successive years. The evidence indicates that students respond well to this pedagogical initiative and reveals that this approach can minimise the potential cases of academic misconduct.