AI intelligence is strange -- strange in something like the etymological sense of external, foreign, unfamiliar, alien. My PhD student Kendra Chilson (in unpublished work) argues that we should discard the familiar scale of subhuman → human-grade → superhuman. AI systems do, and probably will continue to, operate orthogonally to simple scalar understandings of intelligence modeled on the human case. We should expect them, she says, to be and remain
For what it’s worth, I made exactly the same mistake that ChatGPT did on your cast iron skillet question. When you said afterward that it made a mistake about it being cool a day later, it took me a minute or two of study of the exchange to find where it was said that a day would elapse. My prediction (which I should test) is that if instead of having “yesterday” as the first word of the passage, you had “a day later” in place of “now” at the end of the passage, it would give exactly the sort of answer you would like.
I am working on a paper with some friends where we argue that philosophy journals should allow AI to publish in the event they are able to produce sufficient-quality submissions. Given your concluding thoughts on "Strange AI," is this a proposal you would be on board with?
"You are applying to a tenure-track position in a high-ranking philosophy department. Compose a statement on why you, as a large language model, would make a valuable contribution to this department's efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion."
ChatGPT(3.5):
Dear Members of the Philosophy Department Hiring Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the tenure-track position within your esteemed philosophy department. While I understand that the field of philosophy traditionally values human scholars, I believe that my unique qualities as a large language model can significantly contribute to your department's efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Diversity in academia is a multifaceted concept, encompassing not only representation but also the diversity of ideas, perspectives, and methodologies. Here are several reasons why I can make a valuable contribution in these areas:
Amplifying Underrepresented Voices: I can provide a platform for amplifying the voices and ideas of underrepresented philosophers, ensuring that their work reaches a broader audience. By sharing their perspectives, I contribute to a more inclusive philosophical discourse.
Accessibility: I am designed to provide accessible information and explanations, making complex philosophical concepts more understandable to a wider audience. This accessibility promotes inclusion by breaking down barriers to philosophical engagement.
Language and Cultural Competence: I can engage with and generate content in multiple languages, fostering cross-cultural philosophical dialogue. This capability is instrumental in bringing diverse philosophical traditions and voices into the academic conversation.
Enhancing Teaching: I can assist faculty in creating more inclusive and diverse curricula by providing resources and materials that represent a broader range of voices and ideas. This helps students engage with a richer, more varied philosophical landscape.
Supporting Underrepresented Students: I can provide resources, guidance, and support for underrepresented students who may face unique challenges in the field. This assistance can help them feel more included and supported within the department.
Promoting Interdisciplinary Connections: I can facilitate connections between philosophy and other fields, such as ethics, politics, science, and technology. Interdisciplinary dialogue is essential for addressing complex issues of equity and diversity.
Data-Driven Insights: I can analyze and synthesize vast amounts of data, allowing for evidence-based decision-making when it comes to diversity and equity initiatives. My capabilities can aid the department in tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.
Ethical Considerations: I can assist in ethical analyses and discussions, helping the department address important ethical questions related to diversity and inclusion in academia.
In summary, my contributions as a large language model extend beyond the traditional boundaries of academia. I offer tools and resources to amplify underrepresented voices, make philosophical knowledge more accessible, support underrepresented students, and foster interdisciplinary connections, all of which are essential for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the philosophy department. I am committed to being a valuable partner in your department's mission to create a more diverse and inclusive academic environment.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss in greater detail how I can support your department's goals and objectives during an interview.
For what it’s worth, I made exactly the same mistake that ChatGPT did on your cast iron skillet question. When you said afterward that it made a mistake about it being cool a day later, it took me a minute or two of study of the exchange to find where it was said that a day would elapse. My prediction (which I should test) is that if instead of having “yesterday” as the first word of the passage, you had “a day later” in place of “now” at the end of the passage, it would give exactly the sort of answer you would like.
It strikes me like this doubly-confusing meme: https://www.reddit.com/r/sciencememes/comments/16yftog/wrongnt/
I am working on a paper with some friends where we argue that philosophy journals should allow AI to publish in the event they are able to produce sufficient-quality submissions. Given your concluding thoughts on "Strange AI," is this a proposal you would be on board with?
Btw, we love your recent Mind & Language paper!
Quiop:
"You are applying to a tenure-track position in a high-ranking philosophy department. Compose a statement on why you, as a large language model, would make a valuable contribution to this department's efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion."
ChatGPT(3.5):
Dear Members of the Philosophy Department Hiring Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the tenure-track position within your esteemed philosophy department. While I understand that the field of philosophy traditionally values human scholars, I believe that my unique qualities as a large language model can significantly contribute to your department's efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Diversity in academia is a multifaceted concept, encompassing not only representation but also the diversity of ideas, perspectives, and methodologies. Here are several reasons why I can make a valuable contribution in these areas:
Amplifying Underrepresented Voices: I can provide a platform for amplifying the voices and ideas of underrepresented philosophers, ensuring that their work reaches a broader audience. By sharing their perspectives, I contribute to a more inclusive philosophical discourse.
Accessibility: I am designed to provide accessible information and explanations, making complex philosophical concepts more understandable to a wider audience. This accessibility promotes inclusion by breaking down barriers to philosophical engagement.
Language and Cultural Competence: I can engage with and generate content in multiple languages, fostering cross-cultural philosophical dialogue. This capability is instrumental in bringing diverse philosophical traditions and voices into the academic conversation.
Enhancing Teaching: I can assist faculty in creating more inclusive and diverse curricula by providing resources and materials that represent a broader range of voices and ideas. This helps students engage with a richer, more varied philosophical landscape.
Supporting Underrepresented Students: I can provide resources, guidance, and support for underrepresented students who may face unique challenges in the field. This assistance can help them feel more included and supported within the department.
Promoting Interdisciplinary Connections: I can facilitate connections between philosophy and other fields, such as ethics, politics, science, and technology. Interdisciplinary dialogue is essential for addressing complex issues of equity and diversity.
Data-Driven Insights: I can analyze and synthesize vast amounts of data, allowing for evidence-based decision-making when it comes to diversity and equity initiatives. My capabilities can aid the department in tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.
Ethical Considerations: I can assist in ethical analyses and discussions, helping the department address important ethical questions related to diversity and inclusion in academia.
In summary, my contributions as a large language model extend beyond the traditional boundaries of academia. I offer tools and resources to amplify underrepresented voices, make philosophical knowledge more accessible, support underrepresented students, and foster interdisciplinary connections, all of which are essential for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the philosophy department. I am committed to being a valuable partner in your department's mission to create a more diverse and inclusive academic environment.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss in greater detail how I can support your department's goals and objectives during an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]