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Watch tip: Sparks of AGI: early experiments with GPT-4

Thijs Pepping
May 03, 2023

Microsoft AI scientists have recently published a research paper exploring the capabilities of OpenAI’s GPT-4, a powerful large language model. The researchers argue that GPT-4 demonstrates “sparks” of human-level intelligence, or artificial general intelligence (AGI). 

In their study of an early version of GPT-4, the researchers found it to excel in a wide variety of tasks without any specific training, including mathematics, coding, vision, medicine, law, and psychology. They contend that GPT-4’s abilities far surpass those of previous AI models like ChatGPT, positioning it as a potential contender for AGI.

Notably, GPT-4 has demonstrated impressive test-taking skills, scoring high on challenging exams like the legal Bar exam, LSAT, and Certified Sommelier theory test, with no specific training on those subjects. This marks a significant improvement compared to its predecessor, GPT-3.5.

While GPT-4 shows promise, it’s essential to acknowledge that its patterns of intelligence are not human-like, and AGI still lacks a universally agreed-upon definition. Despite these limitations, the researchers believe that GPT-4’s capabilities represent a true paradigm shift in computer science and beyond.

Decide yourself: Are we really seeing “Sparks of AGI”? We do know for sure that the term AGI evokes a lot of skepticism and in the end it’s a question of definitions. Nevertheless, the authors make an interesting case and are very clear in explaining their thought process. Interested in learning more? Check out this video lecture from Sebastien Bubeck discussing the paper “Sparks of AGI: Early Experiments with GPT-4.”

Or read the full paper here: https://arxiv.org/abs/2303.12712

About the author

Trend Analyst VINT | Netherlands
Thijs Pepping is a humanistic trend analyst in the field of new technologies. He is part of the think tank within SogetiLabs and in his work he continuously wonders and analyses what the impact of New Technologies is on our lives, organizations and society. He specialized in Humanistic Counselling and Education at the University of Humanistics in Utrecht.

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