February 5, 2025
On Wednesday, February 5th, at 11 am - 12:15, the Philosophy Dept will host a talk by Prof. Jeff Yoshimi, UC Merced, titled: Large Language Models, A Visual and Philosophical Primer. Location: The talk will be in-person in room SS-136 and also streamed via ZOOM. Abstract: l give a brief overview of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, explaining how they work using visualizations I have developed using the software package simbrain (www.simbrain.net). I argue that developing clear ways for non-specialists to understand such transformative technologies as LLMs promotes higher quality deliberation about their proper use and regulation. I also give a brief overview of the vast literature that has already developed concerning the philosophical and ethical issues raised by LLMs. Bio: Jeff Yoshimi is a Professor and founding faculty member at UC Merced, in the departments of Philosophy and Cognitive and Information Sciences. His research areas include phenomenology, neural networks, dynamical systems, philosophy of cognitive science, and visualization of complex processes. His latest book is Gaming Cancer, out this week from MIT Press, and it was written with input from Cerritos students and faculty the last time he gave a talk here in 2016! View the flyer.