Alex Grzankowski

Alex Grzankowski, a philosopher, discusses AI understanding language but not having true comprehension. They explore semantic vs syntactic understanding in AI, evolution of understanding in creatures, and internalist vs externalist semantics. The conversation delves into world models in AI, training AI to understand truth, and the concept of reference in semantics.

In a captivating discussion, Alex Grzankowski, a philosophy professor at Birkbeck College and director of the London AI Humanity and AI Project, dives into the depths of understanding in AI versus human cognition. He critiques the common perception that models like ChatGPT truly comprehend language. Exploring the Chinese Room Argument, Alex raises essential questions about machine comprehension, the ethical implications in tech, and the distinction between symbol manipulation and genuine understanding. Get ready to rethink what ‘understanding’ actually means!

Philosopher Alex Grzankowski discusses reference and attitude ascriptions in language and mind, exploring Saul Kripke's 'A Puzzle About Belief'. The episode delves into theories of proper names, compositionality, truth conditions, and challenges to Millianism and rationality in belief ascriptions. It highlights the complexities of attitude reports, descriptivism, and rationality in belief formation, challenging traditional theories in philosophy.