Raw LLM Responses

Point 1: Consciousness is exceptionally hard to precisely define. It’s so integral to who we are and using it is key to explaining it that it is a real challenge to describe it in anything other than generalities and anecdotes. Yet consciousness is fundamental to humanity and being alive that we cannot work around it. Point 2: A weight measuring tool can be very complex, but ultimately can only operate within the set of weights at its disposal. This is limiting. The chances that it will produce piercing insights or compelling artistic works is very, very low. LLMs may be slightly more likely to write Hamlet than an infinite number of monkeys with an infinite number of typewriters, but it’s still very close to zero. What LLMs do produce are the endless corporate memos and generic marketing or financial statements that make up a lot of content but very little substance. Ted Chiang’s point, as I understand it, is that only conscious people can make unique, insightful connections or can create delightful, meaningful and memorable expressions. Because LLMs are effectively regurgitating words, they are not creating anything meaningful. Edited to correct typos.