Why Large Language Models Are Poor Theories of Human Linguistic Cognition: A Reply to Piantadosi

Authors

  • Roni Katzir Orcid
    Department of Linguistics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

Abstract

In a recent manuscript entitled “Modern language models refute Chomsky’s approach to language”, Steven Piantadosi proposes that large language models such as GPT-3 can serve as serious theories of human linguistic cognition. In fact, he maintains that these models are significantly better linguistic theories than proposals emerging from within generative linguistics. The present note explains why this claim is wrong.