AI, Emotion, and the Language of Thought

Ridley Park articulates a critique of popular objections to artificial intelligence, particularly concerning Large Language Models (LLMs). Park contends that many AI detractors lack a fundamental understanding of language theory, often projecting metaphysical or emotional aspects onto language that do not exist. He argues that AI's lack of emotion is irrelevant to its function, as writing itself is a conjuring act with words to evoke feeling in readers, not to transmit authorial emotion. Drawing on philosophers like Saussure, Wittgenstein, and Derrida, Park explains that language is self-referential and context-dependent, not a direct reflection of reality. Therefore, he proposes that critics should possess a basic knowledge of semiotics, context, and critical theory before commenting on LLMs, as their current arguments often miss the point of how language, and consequently AI, operates.