Large Language Models (MIT Press Essential Knowledge)

An in-depth history of Large Language Models—and what their ubiquity, disruption, and creativity mean from a wider sociopolitical perspective.

In November 2022, ChatGPT swept the globe with a mixed frenzy of excitement and anxiety. Was this a step closer to reaching singularity or just another marvel in machine learning? Author Stephan Raaijmakers provides a comprehensive introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs), describing what exactly they are capable of from a technical and creative standpoint. This concise volume covers everything from the architecture of LLM neural networks to the limitations of LLMs to how our governments can regulate this technology. In explaining how exactly LLMs learn from data sets, Raaijmakers defangs the more sensational arguments we may be familiar with. Instead, he offers a more grounded approach to how this groundbreaking—and increasingly ubiquitous—form of artificial intelligence will shape our society for years to come.

Stephan Raaijmakers is Senior Scientist at TNO and Professor of Communicative AI at Leiden University (LUCL).