Liminality (geohot.github.io)

The article "Liminality" explores the parallels between the philosophical themes in Fullmetal Alchemist and the contemporary landscape of artificial intelligence. It frames AI as a modern philosopher's stone—a tool that promises to solve significant problems but often falls short, creating systems like ChatGPT, Claude, and GLM that mimic human behavior without achieving true understanding or capability. The author reflects on the emotional toll this generates within the AI community, balancing excitement for advancements with a sense of impending inadequacy as future AI technologies seem poised to surpass current capabilities. Significantly, the piece critiques the hype surrounding AI while acknowledging the transformative potential of upcoming innovations. As we exist in this "middle place," the author emphasizes that, while control may feel elusive, awareness and honesty are crucial. AI’s rapid evolution raises questions about societal control, implications for professions, and the ethical boundaries of AI development. The commentary suggests we are all navigating an uncertain optimization landscape, where understanding the trajectory of AI—and our role within it—remains elusive but necessary for ensuring that advancements benefit society as a whole.