The Role of AI in Historical Analysis

The conversation addresses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on historical work, particularly focusing on large language models (LLMs). LLMs are designed to generate human-like text based on algorithms that predict word sequences. However, the limitations of these models are evident as they often produce inaccuracies or 'hallucinations' when tasked with historical inquiry, such as misidentifying significant figures from history. This raises concerns for historians, as LLMs lack the ability to interpret archival material or understand historical context, underscoring the need for a cautious approach when integrating AI into historical analysis.