Sophistry and Artificial Wisdom

To what extent is artificial intelligence today actually intelligent? Can we say that so-called large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT possess genuine expertise or wisdom? This fall, join us as we discuss the distinction between genuine and apparent wisdom and expertise in the context of ancient debates about the same topic, and see how these ancient debates could apply to our current questions about artificial intelligences. This four-week reading group will synthesize classical theories of human understanding and communication—namely, those of Plato in Ion and Gorgias—with present-day research on LLMs and other "intelligent" programs.

We will conclude with a discussion of Plato's Gorgias, his dialogue on rhetoric and persuasion, comparing the sophists of Plato's day to prompt responsive generative AI models. We will focus on the difference between perceived and actual wisdom and whether the generation of rhetoric without true expertise in humans is analogous to the process found in machines.

Readings:

Plato’s Gorgias, 447a-461b1