Microsoft researcher builds a working neural network out of goats in Age of Empires II to critique AI science
Quick Answer
A Microsoft researcher created a neural network using goats in Age of Empires II to critique AI research, revealing that over half of 315 analyzed papers assume language models possess human-like traits.
Quick Take
This unconventional approach highlights the disconnect between AI perception and reality, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation in AI methodologies.
Key Points
- The researcher used goats, bridges, and ice ramps in a game editor.
- Analysis of 315 papers revealed over 50% assume human-like traits in models.
- The project critiques the perception of AI interactions.
- Replacing chat interfaces with goats illustrates a critical point about AI.
- The work emphasizes the importance of rigorous evaluation in AI research.
Source Excerpt
A Microsoft researcher built a working neural network out of goats, bridges, and ice ramps in the Age of Empires II map editor. What looks like a joke is a pointed critique of AI research methods. His analysis of 315 papers found that more than half already assume language models have human-like traits before the experiment even starts. Replace the chat interface with wandering goats, and the math doesn't change, but the feeling that you're talking to someone does.
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