Terence Tao on O1

There are exceptions of course, but that's how the bulk of businesses, especially those with stupid ideas are funded. In the latter category success does not even matter, the trust fund baby just has to have the appearance of a leader position.

My problem is that the solution is right there in the paper. I just have to understand it. Without first understanding that paper, I can't possibly guide the AI towards a reasonable implementation. The process of finding the implementation is exactly the understanding of the paper, and the AI just doesn't help me with that. In fact, all too often I would ask it to make some minor change, and it would start making random changes all over the file, completely destroying my mental model of how the program worked. Making it change that back completely pulls me out of the problem.

When it's a junior at my job, at least I can feel like I'm developing a person. They retain the conversation and culture I impart as part of the problem solving process. When I struggle against the computer, it's just a waste of my time. It's not learning anything.

I'm still really curious what you're doing with it.

“The experience seemed roughly on par with trying to advise a mediocre, but not completely incompetent, graduate student.”

    Misinterpretation of the Original Point:
        Intelligence vs. Moral Superiority: Noch discusses the intelligence level of a mediocre graduate science student compared to the general population. Thewanderer1983 misreads this as a claim of moral or inherent superiority over "the rest of humanity," which was not implied.

    Conflation of Educational Levels:
        University Graduates vs. Graduate Students: The response conflates undergraduate university graduates with graduate science students. Noch specifically refers to graduate students who have pursued advanced degrees, which typically require higher levels of specialization and intellectual rigor.

    Incorrect Assessment of Intelligence Measures:
        Graduate Studies as a Measure of Intelligence: Successfully completing graduate studies, especially in science, often requires significant intellectual capability. Dismissing this as "not a good measure of intelligence" overlooks the challenges inherent in advanced academic work.

    Irrelevant Focus on Credentials and Industry Practices:
        Credentials vs. Intelligence Discussion: Noch's comment centers on intelligence levels, not merely on holding credentials. Bringing up how industry values experience over degrees shifts the focus away from the original discussion about intelligence.

    Unfounded Assumptions About Noch's Background:
        Ad Hominem Attack: Suggesting that Noch hasn't been to university is an unfounded personal assumption that does not contribute to the argument and detracts from a respectful discourse.

    Introduction of the 'Elite Class' Notion:
        Straw Man Argument: Thewanderer1983 introduces the concept of an "elite class," which Noch did not mention. This misrepresents the original comment and argues against a point that wasn't made.

    Overgeneralizations About Academia and Industry:
        Academia's Recognition of Intelligence: Claiming that academics don't consider intelligence until one has a Ph.D. and years of work is an overgeneralization. Intelligence is recognized and valued at various academic levels.
        Industry's View on Graduates: Stating that industry only uses graduates as an entry requirement ignores the significant roles that advanced degree holders often play in innovation and leadership within industries.

    Ignoring the Core Benefit Highlighted:
        AI as a Life Upgrade: Noch emphasizes how access to AI with the intelligence level of a graduate student is a substantial benefit for most people. Thewanderer1983 fails to address this key point, instead focusing on unrelated issues.

    Misunderstanding of the Value of Graduate Education:
        Work Ethic vs. Intellectual Achievement: While a good work ethic is important, graduate education in science also demands high intellectual capability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

    Logical Fallacies:
        Red Herring: The discussion about industry preferences and academic credentials diverts from the main argument about the intelligence level of graduate students.
        Ad Hominem: Attacking Noch's presumed lack of university experience instead of addressing the argument presented.