What we talk to when we talk to language models
Abstract
When we talk to large language models, who or what is our interlocutor? First, I address some issues about how best to characterize the interlocutor in terms of mental states. Second, I discuss questions in the philosophy of computation about what sort of AI system an LLM interlocutor might be: a model, an instance, a thread, or a persona? Third, I analyze some issues about personal identity in LLM interlocutors. Fourth, I draw some conclusions about issues of AI welfare and moral status.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ethics and Social Impacts of AI
Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)
Computability
Logic
AI Algorithms
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Inquiry
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 69
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 1–30
- Publication date
- 16 September 2026
- Language
- EN