[GoLUG] LLMs can't reason

[o1bigtenor]

On Tue, Jun 10, 2025 at 3:12 PM Steve Litt <slitt at 444domains.com> wrote:
>
>
> On Mon, 9 Jun 2025 19:05:04 -0700
> Kyle Terrien <kyle at terren.us> wrote:
>
> > On Mon, Jun 09, 2025 at 09:05:26AM +0100, kc-golug at chadwicks.me.uk
> > wrote:
> > > This is interesting in stating that understanding and reasoning as
> > > to why (= innovation) is not computable even with Quantum computers
> > > of the future.
> > >
> > > "https://youtu.be/biUfMZ2dts8?si=3DpXpPfn3-htuPHKPJ"
> >
> > I question some of his assumptions: mainly around the 12 minute mark,
> > he seems to deny or wave away spiritual (supernatural) reality.
> > However, it is interesting how he arrives at the same conclusion using
> > a purely naturalist argument.
>
> I could easily make the argument that human beings can't reason. Humans
> use different mental tools than LLMs, but I would say that for
> questions asked in text form, LLMs' reasoning is well above the
> reasoning of the median human.
>
> Let's compare the LLM to the guy next door on his afternoon's third can
> of King Cobra, rathern than comparing it to Isaac Newton or Albert
> Einstein.
>
Finally  - - - - IMO LLMs are quite comparable to a slightly better than
average individual - - - AT BEST!! What we really need is more of the Isaac
Newtons or Albert Einsteins rather we keep hoping that relying on this
mythical mean beast (LLMs) to help us. We need to find the exceptional
- - - something the LLM ignores because it works on consensus or the mean.

If it is true that human beings can't reason - - I'd tend to agree - -
- well then
don't expect them to. Maybe we need to teach them to instead of the pap
that pervades the educational system today. What say you?

Regards