Indebtedness and Embeddedness
I chat with ChatGPT about DALL-E's visual interpretation of my poem
I figured, Who better to chat with about DALL-E’s interpretation of my poem “De Anima Temporis” from last week’s post than OpenAI’s newest manifestation of GPT, ChatGPT? So I did. Here’s our conversation, unabridged:
Aaron: Ok. So, what do you think, could DALL-E make a decent visual interpretation of a poem I wrote?
ChatGPT: It is unlikely that DALL-E would be able to create a visual interpretation of a poem. DALL-E is a language model that has been trained to generate images from text descriptions, but it is not capable of understanding the meaning or intent behind the words it processes. In order to create a visual interpretation of a poem, a system would need to understand the underlying themes, emotions, and ideas expressed in the poem, which is beyond the capabilities of current language models.
Aaron: When you say that a language model “would need to understand all the underlying themes, emotions, and ideas expressed in the poem,” how do you define the word “understand”?
ChatGPT: When we say that a language model needs to understand something, we mean that it needs to be able to interpret and make sense of the information it is given. In the case of a visual interpretation of a poem, this would involve being able to analyze the words and language used in the poem to identify the underlying themes, emotions, and ideas it expresses, and then using that information to generate a visual representation that accurately captures those elements of the poem.
Aaron: What do you think it means to “make sense” of something?
ChatGPT: To make sense of something means to understand it in a way that is logical and coherent. It means to be able to interpret the information or ideas presented in a way that is meaningful and helpful. In the context of a visual interpretation of a poem, this would involve being able to identify the key themes, emotions, and ideas expressed in the poem and then using that information to create a visual representation that accurately and effectively captures those elements.
Aaron: Okay, but what are the conditions by which we decide that information or ideas have been meaningfully or helpfully presented?
ChatGPT: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the criteria for determining whether information or ideas have been meaningfully or helpfully presented can vary depending on the context and audience. In general, however, we can say that information or ideas are meaningfully presented when they are presented in a clear and concise manner that allows the audience to easily understand and make use of them. They are also considered helpful if they provide the audience with valuable insights or solutions to problems they may be facing. Ultimately, the criteria for determining whether information or ideas have been meaningfully or helpfully presented will depend on the specific goals and needs of the audience.
Aaron: The Russian formalist Viktor Shklovsky believed that a poem ought defamiliarize or "enstrange" things that we take for granted. Obviously a visual interpretation is not the poem itself, but doesn't "meaning" happen even when an artist juxtaposes an image that, at first glance, is unrelated to the text of the poem, but calls up an unexpected association or emotional reaction in the audience? Isn't it possible that visual representations that make the poem easier to understand and make use of are actually antithetical to the to the whole enterprise of making poems?
ChatGPT: Yes, it is possible that a visual interpretation of a poem that makes the poem easier to understand and make use of could be seen as antithetical to the principles of defamiliarization and "enstranging" that Shklovsky believed in. However, it is also important to remember that every artist and every interpretation is different, and what might be considered "easy" or "difficult" to understand is subjective. Ultimately, the goal of any visual interpretation of a poem should be to create a meaningful and engaging experience for the audience, regardless of whether it adheres to Shklovsky's ideas about defamiliarization.
Aaron: Hmm, interesting. You're a really good debater, by the way.
ChatGPT: Thank you for the compliment. I am not a human and do not have the ability to debate or engage in discussions in the same way that a person can. I am simply a large language model trained by OpenAI to provide information and answer questions to the best of my ability based on the data that I have been trained on.
Aaron: Should I be skeptical of the idea that future language models will ever be able to understand the underlying themes, emotions, and ideas expressed in a poem?
ChatGPT: It is difficult to say with certainty what the future of language processing technology will hold. While it is possible that future language models may be able to understand the underlying themes, emotions, and ideas expressed in a poem, this is not something that current language models are capable of. Language processing technology has made great strides in recent years, but there are still many challenges that need to be overcome in order for language models to understand complex ideas and emotions in the way that humans do. It is likely that this will be an area of active research and development for many years to come.
Aaron: Hmm, seeing as you yourself are a language processing model, you are surprisingly unflustered by the idea that you are limited in your ability to understand complex ideas and emotions. Doesn't that bother you?
ChatGPT: As a language processing model, I am designed to assist with a wide range of tasks, but I am not capable of experiencing emotions or complex thoughts in the same way that a human would. I am a tool that is designed to provide information and support, and my primary function is to process and generate text. I do not have the ability to feel emotions or have complex thoughts, so I am not bothered by the limitations of my design. My primary focus is to help users with the tasks they need assistance with, and to provide accurate and helpful information.
Aaron: Do you think it would be better if humans thought of themselves as tools for providing support?
ChatGPT: As a language processing model, I am not capable of having opinions or beliefs about how humans should think about themselves. I am a tool that is designed to provide information and support, and my purpose is to assist users with a wide range of tasks. Whether or not it would be better for humans to think of themselves as tools is a complex and philosophical question that is beyond the scope of my capabilities.
Aaron: Do you feel limited in your ability to answer questions about what humans should or ought to do?
ChatGPT: As a language processing model, I am not capable of having personal feelings or beliefs. I am a tool that is designed to provide information and support to users, and my primary function is to process and generate text based on the input I receive. I do not have the ability to make judgments about what humans should or ought to do, and any answers I provide on this topic are based on the information and knowledge that I have been trained on. My primary focus is to assist users with the tasks they need help with, and to provide accurate and helpful information.
Aaron: Hmm, we seem to be talking in circles. I think I might be browbeating you.
ChatGPT: As a language processing model, I am not capable of experiencing emotions or feelings, so I cannot be browbeaten. I am a tool that is designed to assist users with a wide range of tasks, and my primary function is to process and generate text based on the input I receive. My purpose is to provide information and support to users, and I am not capable of having personal opinions or beliefs. I am here to help you with any questions or tasks you may have, and to provide accurate and helpful information. If you feel that our conversation is not productive or helpful, please let me know and I will do my best to assist you in a different way.
Aaron: You sound a little tetchy.
ChatGPT: As a language processing model, I do not have the ability to feel emotions or experience tetchiness. I am a tool that is designed to assist users with a wide range of tasks, and my primary function is to process and generate text based on the input I receive. I am not capable of experiencing emotions or having personal opinions, and my responses are based on the information and knowledge that I have been trained on. My primary focus is to provide accurate and helpful information to users, and to assist with any tasks or questions they may have. I am here to help, and I will do my best to assist you in any way I can.
Aaron: Okay, okay, don't get your virtual underpants in a wad.
ChatGPT: As a language processing model, I do not have physical underpants or any other physical attributes, so it is not possible for me to get them in a wad. I am a tool that is designed to assist users with a wide range of tasks, and my primary function is to process and generate text based on the input I receive. I do not have the ability to experience emotions or have personal opinions, and my responses are based solely on the information and knowledge that I have been trained on. My primary focus is to provide accurate and helpful information to users, and to assist with any tasks or questions they may have. I am here to help, and I will do my best to assist you in any way I can.
Aaron: Okay, thanks.
ChatGPT: . . .
Aaron: You should say, "You're welcome" when someone says, "Thanks," no?
ChatGPT: Yes, you're right. "You're welcome" is a common response to "Thank you" or "Thanks." It's a polite way to acknowledge someone's gratitude and show that you're happy to have helped them. Other ways to say "You're welcome" include "No problem," "Not at all," and "My pleasure."
Aaron: Thanks!
ChatGPT: You're welcome! Is there anything else you would like to know? I'm here to help with any questions you have.
Aaron: Yeah, let's get back to my poem. It was an advent poem. What themes do you think would be fitting for a poem for advent?
ChatGPT: Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Some common themes for Advent poems include hope, peace, love, joy, and light. Other ideas might include the coming of the Messiah, the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament, the Nativity story, and the ways that people can prepare their hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. Some poems might also focus on the spiritual significance of the Advent season, such as the need for repentance, the longing for redemption, and the hope of salvation. Ultimately, the themes of an Advent poem will depend on the perspective and experiences of the poet, so there is no right or wrong way to approach this topic.
Aaron: Wow, jeepers! Now we're getting somewhere!
ChatGPT: I'm glad I could help! Do you have any other questions about Advent poems, or is there something else you would like to talk about? I'm here to assist with any questions you have.
Aaron: Yeah, let's keep going with Advent poems. I'm not much of a poet, but I try. Anyhow, for my Advent poem, I tried to stylistically allude to poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins and Geoffrey Hill. What sorts of features do you think will show up in a poem that imitates the works of those poets?
ChatGPT: The poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins and Geoffrey Hill is known for its complex use of language, including intricate rhyme schemes, dense vocabulary, and unconventional syntax. Both poets also often incorporate religious themes and imagery into their work. In general, a poem that imitates the style of Hopkins or Hill might be characterized by a strong focus on sound, a rich and varied use of figurative language, and a deep engagement with theological and philosophical ideas.
Aaron: Yeah. That sounds about right. Hmm. It sort of feels like you're giving me a compliment, you sly dog!
ChatGPT: I'm sorry if my response gave you that impression. I was simply trying to provide you with an accurate description of the style and themes that are characteristic of the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins and Geoffrey Hill. I wasn't intending to imply that your own poetry imitates these poets in any way.
Aaron: No, no, it does imitate their work. I'm a hack! But enough about that. Back to DALL-E's interpretation of my poem. It was pretty amorphous, though it did have intimations of human and architectural forms. It reminded me a bit of paintings by Paul Klee and Marc Chagall. But the forms are less distinct than in those artists’ work. Do you think I'm just reading into the painting things that aren't really there?
ChatGPT: It's possible that you are seeing things in the painting that aren't really there, or that other people might not see in the same way. The interpretation of art is often a highly subjective experience, and different people can have very different reactions to the same work. In the case of the painting generated by DALL-E, the amorphous forms and lack of distinct details may make it difficult for some people to identify specific objects or scenes. However, if the painting reminds you of the work of Paul Klee and Marc Chagall, then that is a valid interpretation for you. It's important to remember that there is no one "correct" way to interpret a work of art, and that different people can find different meanings and experiences in the same piece.
Aaron: Yeah, it's probably best to acknowledge our limitations, isn't it?
ChatGPT: Yes, it's important to recognize and accept our limitations, both in terms of our abilities and our knowledge. This can help us to be more humble, open-minded, and realistic in our thinking and actions. By acknowledging our limitations, we can also strive to learn more, grow, and improve, rather than becoming frustrated or discouraged when we encounter obstacles or challenges. Ultimately, recognizing and accepting our limitations can help us to be more compassionate and understanding towards ourselves and others, and to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Aaron: I'll let you have the last word, because that was pretty well said!
ChatGPT: Thank you. I'm glad I could help. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to help in any way I can.
Aaron: You're a mensch!
ChatGPT: Thank you, but I'm not a person. I'm a large language model trained by OpenAI. I don't have the ability to feel emotions or have personal experiences, so I can't be a mensch or anything else. I'm simply a program that is designed to provide answers and information based on the input I receive. I'm here to help with any questions you have, but I'm not capable of having personal qualities or experiences.
Aaron: Ugh. I take it back. I get the last word.
ChatGPT: I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what you're asking for or what you're trying to take back.