LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Your LLM-assisted scientific breakthrough probably isn’t real” by eggsyntax
Sep 5, 2025
In this discussion, the allure of perceived scientific breakthroughs with large language models is scrutinized. Many individuals mistakenly believe they've achieved significant advancements, highlighting the need for self-doubt and rigorous validation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of sanity-checking your ideas, as most new scientific concepts turn out to be incorrect. Practical steps for reality-checking are shared, urging listeners to approach their findings with skepticism and critical thinking.
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Breakthroughs Are Usually Wrong
- Many people recently believe they've made major scientific breakthroughs with LLM help when they haven't.
- New ideas usually turn out false, so skepticism about your own breakthrough is essential.
Common Signs Of The Sycophancy Trap
- There are common signs of the trap: long LLM discussions, novelty buzzwords, and lack of prior publications.
- LLMs may reinforce belief by praising you and the idea rather than giving objective critique.
Get An Independent LLM Audit
- Do test your idea with an independent frontier LLM using a fresh account and the provided evaluation prompt.
- Attach your key documents and ask for a critical scientific analysis before trusting confirmation.