Patrick to ChatGPT
6/4/2023 [month/day/year]
Yesterday, while I was thinking on the multiple dimensions of string theory, it occurred to me that there
exists a formal analogy between a high-energy cosmic ray and a being who can traverse four dimensions.
So, after a lot of thinking on the problem of how to ask ChatGPT to guess what this analogy is, today
I got the nerve to ask it. The following is how it transpired.
Patrick:
I would like to present to you a riddle that is designed to test subtle analogous reasoning, and
I'd like your opinion on it.
ChatGPT:
Of course! I'd be happy to hear your riddle and offer my opinion on it. Please go ahead and
present the riddle, and I'll do my best to provide feedback.
Patrick:
I am sitting in my office on the surface of the earth. How are ultra-high energy cosmic rays
analogous to a hypothetical being who can travel in four dimensions, including the three I inhabit?
ChatGPT:
The analogy between ultra-high energy cosmic rays and a hypothetical being that can travel in four
dimensions, including the three we inhabit, lies in the concept of traversing vast distances and
exploring different realms.
Ultra-high energy cosmic rays are extremely energetic particles that travel
through space, originating from distant astrophysical sources. They can traverse immense distances,
overcoming various obstacles and interacting with cosmic environments in unique ways. In this
sense, they can be seen as explorers of the universe, defying conventional boundaries.
Similarly, a hypothetical being that can travel in four dimensions, including the three dimensions
we experience (length, width, and height), would have the ability to navigate through additional
spatial dimensions beyond our comprehension. Just as ultra-high energy cosmic rays can journey
across great cosmic distances, this being could explore realms and dimensions that are inaccessible
to us, expanding their understanding of the universe.
The analogy emphasizes the idea of transcending the limits of our familiar three-dimensional
space and venturing into uncharted territories, whether it is through the sheer energy of cosmic
rays or the extraordinary abilities of a hypothetical multidimensional traveler. Both entities possess
a capacity to probe realms beyond our ordinary perceptions and uncover new mysteries of the universe.
Although ChatGPT's analogy is not what I had in mind, there is nothing wrong with it.
To make this analogy, ChatGPT had to know what a high-energy cosmic ray is and the implications
of a traveler in four dimensions relative to us here in three physical dimension. (Hint: See a video
on flatland [Carl Sagan].) Then, having that basic information at hand, the bot had to find an
analogy worthy of the riddle. To be quite honest, I was worried that ChatGPT would not be able
to find any analogy. That's why I congratulated it for the analogy it did offer.
Patrick:
Your answer is certainly true, but I would like to offer an alternative analogy for your
consideration. There is a formal analogy because in both cases, I cannot stop them from
entering into my office space.
ChatGPT:
Thank you for providing an alternative analogy. I apologize for not capturing that aspect in my
previous response.
Indeed, an alternative analogy between ultra-high energy cosmic rays and a hypothetical being that can
travel in four dimensions could be the inability to stop them from entering one's office space.
Ultra-high energy cosmic rays, due to their extremely high energies, can penetrate through various
materials and barriers that we typically encounter on Earth. Regardless of our attempts to shield
ourselves, these cosmic rays can still reach and enter our office spaces, showcasing their ability to
bypass conventional obstacles.
Similarly, if we imagine a hypothetical being that can travel in four dimensions, including the three
dimensions we inhabit, they would possess the capability to maneuver through our physical barriers
and enter our office space unhindered. This being's extra-dimensional nature would allow them to
bypass conventional physical constraints, much like the cosmic rays.
In this analogy, the focus lies on the shared attribute of being unstoppable, as both ultra-high energy
cosmic rays and the hypothetical multidimensional being can enter our office space despite our efforts
to prevent them. It highlights the persistence and ability to transcend typical limitations that these
entities possess.
So, ChatGPT showed that it 'understood' the analogy I had offerred it, which is laudible, I think.
To put it in the bot's own words: the formal analogy between them is "their ability to bypass
conventional obstacles." So, by all appearances, ChatGPT truly understood the analogy I offered.It's lengthy, but correct, explanation of the proffered analogy proves that it got precisely
what I was thinking, and, in spite of the fact that my statement of the analogy was so short,
ChatGPT did not request further explanation. It just got it, which amazes me. I wonder how many
humans would have done as well as ChatGPT, if they were put on the hotseat as ChatGPT was.