I am working on a critical thinking class based around the use of LLMs.
This involves exploring the ethics of using magic to accomplish tasks. The problem then boils down to a matter of epistemology— a testing problem. But testing is something you only do in the absence of trust. So critical thinking begins with the rejection of trust.
It’s been interesting to read about “Anomalistic Psychology” which is the study of magical thinking. Malinowsky commented that not a single canoe was built by Melanesian islanders without the use of magic, yet none of them would say that they could be built without craftsmanship.
Magic is the belief in the infallibility of hope, to paraphrase Malinowski. Which may explain why too many smart people are uncritical about LLMs.
This involves exploring the ethics of using magic to accomplish tasks. The problem then boils down to a matter of epistemology— a testing problem. But testing is something you only do in the absence of trust. So critical thinking begins with the rejection of trust.
It’s been interesting to read about “Anomalistic Psychology” which is the study of magical thinking. Malinowsky commented that not a single canoe was built by Melanesian islanders without the use of magic, yet none of them would say that they could be built without craftsmanship.
Magic is the belief in the infallibility of hope, to paraphrase Malinowski. Which may explain why too many smart people are uncritical about LLMs.