Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Amidst all the hype around artificial intelligence (AI), particularly regarding large language models (LLMs), generative AI and chatbots like ChatGPT, a surge of headlines is instilling caution and even explicitly calling “bullshit” on such technologies. Should we follow suit? What exactly does it mean to call bullshit on an AI program? When is doing so a good idea, and when might it not be? With this paper, I aim to provide a brief guide on how to call bullshit on ChatGPT and related systems. In short, one must understand the basic nature of LLMs, how they function and what they produce, and one must recognize bullshit. I appeal to the prominent work of the late Harry Frankfurt and suggest that recent accounts jump too quickly to the conclusion that LLMs are bullshitting. In doing so, I offer a more level-headed approach to calling bullshit, and accordingly, a way of navigating some of the recent critiques of generative AI systems.
Source: AI and Ethics
Author: Daniel W. Tigard
Institutions: Northeastern University, University of San Diego
Language: English
Subfield: Safety Research
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Funder: University of San Diego
OpenAlex ID: W4410379985