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.