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The Myth of AI Omniscience: AI's Epistemological Limits

Aug 05, 2023 - cpwalker.substack.com
The article discusses the limitations of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically language learning models (LLMs) like OpenAI's GPT-4, in understanding the true nature of the universe. The author argues that AI models, trained on human-written texts, can only reflect our current understanding of the universe and nothing more. They can only use our vocabulary, understand concepts in the ways we do, and talk in the ways we do. Therefore, they can only mirror back to us the order we have carved and the truth we have honed.

The author also emphasizes that while AI models have limitations, they still hold enormous potential to impact various fields that deal with knowledge. However, the author warns against viewing AI as an oracle holding ultimate answers about reality, arguing that such perceptions distract from pressing societal issues related to AI, such as model bias, deep fakes, misinformation, and job displacement. The author calls for dispelling myths about AI and committing to rational dialogue about what advanced AI models can and cannot do.

Key takeaways:

  • The article argues that AI models, including Language Learning Models (LLMs), are fundamentally limited in their understanding of the universe as they are trained on human-written texts and thus can only reflect our current understanding.
  • AI models can only use our vocabulary, understand concepts in the ways we do, and talk in the ways we do, therefore they can only mirror back to us the order we have carved and the truth we have honed.
  • Despite these limitations, AI models like LLMs have enormous potential to impact virtually every field of human endeavor that deals with knowledge, from scientific research to tax advice.
  • The article calls for dispelling myths about AI and committing to rational dialogue about what advanced AI models can and cannot do, highlighting pressing societal issues such as model bias, deep fakes, misinformation, and job displacement from AI.
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