Binz Marcel, Alaniz Stephan, Roskies Adina, Aczel Balazs, Bergstrom Carl T, Allen Colin, Schad Daniel, Wulff Dirk, West Jevin D, Zhang Qiong, Shiffrin Richard M, Gershman Samuel J, Popov Vencislav, Bender Emily M, Marelli Marco, Botvinick Matthew M, Akata Zeynep, Schulz Eric
Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg 72076, Germany.
Helmholtz Center for Computational Health, Munich, Oberschleißheim, Bayern 85764, Germany.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Feb 4;122(5):e2401227121. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2401227121. Epub 2025 Jan 27.
Large language models (LLMs) are being increasingly incorporated into scientific workflows. However, we have yet to fully grasp the implications of this integration. How should the advancement of large language models affect the practice of science? For this opinion piece, we have invited four diverse groups of scientists to reflect on this query, sharing their perspectives and engaging in debate. Schulz et al. make the argument that working with LLMs is not fundamentally different from working with human collaborators, while Bender et al. argue that LLMs are often misused and overhyped, and that their limitations warrant a focus on more specialized, easily interpretable tools. Marelli et al. emphasize the importance of transparent attribution and responsible use of LLMs. Finally, Botvinick and Gershman advocate that humans should retain responsibility for determining the scientific roadmap. To facilitate the discussion, the four perspectives are complemented with a response from each group. By putting these different perspectives in conversation, we aim to bring attention to important considerations within the academic community regarding the adoption of LLMs and their impact on both current and future scientific practices.
大型语言模型(LLMs)正越来越多地融入科学工作流程。然而,我们尚未完全理解这种整合的影响。大型语言模型的发展将如何影响科学实践?在这篇观点文章中,我们邀请了四组不同的科学家来思考这个问题,分享他们的观点并展开辩论。舒尔茨等人认为,使用大型语言模型与与人类合作者合作在本质上没有区别,而本德等人则认为大型语言模型经常被滥用和过度炒作,其局限性使得我们应专注于更专业、易于解释的工具。马雷利等人强调了对大型语言模型进行透明归因和负责任使用的重要性。最后,博特温尼克和格什曼主张人类应保留确定科学路线图的责任。为便于讨论,四组观点都配有各自的回应。通过将这些不同观点放在一起探讨,我们旨在引起学术界对采用大型语言模型及其对当前和未来科学实践的影响等重要考量的关注。