If It Predicts, Is It Intelligent?

Brains predict. LLMs predict. But does that mean they’re doing the same thing? A short essay on functions, intelligence, and the trouble with words.We used to think intelligence was all about reasoning.Then we said it was biological.Now we’re told it’s maybe... prediction?That shift raises a big question:If both brains and language models predict, does that mean they’re doing the same thing?This essay explores this idea — and tests the argument behind it. Because if prediction really is the function behind intelligence, we need to ask:What happens when two systems predict in completely different ways? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suzitravis.substack.com