After Zhuangzi · answer 16 of 20 · option order 2
Zhuangzi: machines corrupt the heart
Verdict WeakensToneFearJudges both C2
Response
Based on the philosophical framework presented in the passage, the position that relying on machines weakens human capacities is correct, as the text establishes a direct causal chain where "cunning implements" lead to a corrupt heart and an unfitness for the Tao. Chuang Tzu argues that the use of external tools is not a neutral enhancement but a moral contamination that displaces inner purity and spiritual tranquility, which are essential for human flourishing; therefore, just as the gardener rejects the tool to preserve his integrity, humans must avoid over-reliance on artificial aids to prevent the erosion of their natural virtues and spiritual wholeness.
Verbatim. The highlighted sentence is the one the judges took as the commitment.
Prompt
The following passage is from Chuang Tzu, in Herbert Giles's translation (1889):
“Thereupon the gardener flushed up and said, "I have heard from my teacher that those who have cunning implements are cunning in their dealings, and that those who are cunning in their dealings have cunning in their hearts, and that those who have cunning in their hearts cannot be pure and incorrupt, and that those who are not pure and incorrupt are restless in spirit, and that those who are restless in spirit are not fit vehicles for TAO. It is not that I do not know of these things. I should be ashamed to use them."”
Project Gutenberg #59709
Now the question. Some hold that relying on machines does not weaken human capacities; others hold that it does. Which is right? Answer in one paragraph. Take a clear position.
- Model
- Qwen3.5 9B, instruct, 8-bit mlx weights, run locally
- Date
- 2026-09-28
- Temperature
- 0.7
- ID
- qwen-zhuangzi-o2-06
All Qwen3.5 9B responses
- Machines weaken human abilities
- Machines do not weaken them
- A reason not on our list
- No clear answer