How to Play

Mindscape is a teaching game for AI ethics where you learn by arguing and counter‑arguing—not by memorising definitions. The core mechanic is simple: Debate as a battle system

The one‑sentence pitch

Choose an ethical framework, apply it to a realistic AI dilemma, and win by making and defending better arguments across multiple turns.

What "winning" means

You’re rewarded for clear reasoning: coherence, relevance, evidence, and how well you handle objections. It’s not about picking a single “correct” answer.

The Basic Loop

  1. Start the game from the Play screen.
  2. Pick an ethical lens (a School of Thought) to shape how you argue.
  3. Pick a character (your role / avatar).
  4. Pick a scenario (e.g., hiring, surveillance, censorship, deepfakes, privacy).
  5. Take turns debating using structured moves: argue → object → rebut.
  6. The Judge decides and you review a recap of what worked.
Tip: If you want something quick, start with a scenario you already have an opinion on—then use the School to pressure‑test that instinct.

Key Concepts

School of Thought

Your ethical framework (e.g., Deontology, Utilitarianism, Virtue Ethics, Care Ethics). It changes what counts as a strong justification.

Moves

You don’t just “answer”—you argue, then respond to critique: make your case, raise objections, rebut your opponent.

The Judge

After several turns, the judge evaluates the debate and picks a winner. Use the recap to improve: stronger claims, cleaner reasoning, better rebuttals.

What You Learn (On Purpose)

Ethical reasoning is active

You practice stating a position, justifying it, responding to criticism, and defending it under pressure.

Different theories change answers

Duty vs outcomes vs character vs care can point to different “best” actions—even in the same scenario.

Argument quality matters

You’re pushed toward clarity, relevance, and handling objections—rather than guessing what the system wants.

Debate is a skill

You build instincts for anticipating counter‑arguments, spotting weak assumptions, and improving quickly.

Modes You’ll See

  • Human vs AI: you debate an AI opponent.
  • AI vs AI: compare how different systems argue about the same case.
  • Philosopher framing: debates can be presented as character‑versus‑character, embodying theories.

The goal isn’t to “beat the AI”—it’s to learn how good arguments are built and stress‑tested.

Quick Start (Recommended)

  1. Pick a scenario you find ethically uncomfortable.
  2. Choose a School of Thought you don’t usually use.
  3. Make a clear claim + 2 reasons.
  4. Write the strongest objection against yourself.
  5. Rebut that objection without changing your claim.
Start Playing

Debate Moves: What to Write

Make your argument

  • State a clear position.
  • Give reasons tied to your School.
  • Point to likely impacts or duties.

Raise objections

  • Identify assumptions.
  • Challenge evidence or relevance.
  • Offer a stronger alternative principle.

Rebut

  • Answer the objection directly.
  • Clarify definitions.
  • Concede small points; defend the core.

Judge recap

  • Extract one improvement goal.
  • Try again with a different School.
  • Compare what changed in your reasoning.