The Thin Line: A Cognitive Mirage — Humans Confronting AI

Abstract

Humanity has always dreamed of machines that might think on our behalf. Today, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) — and in particular the emergence of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini — that dream seems almost fulfilled. These systems respond within seconds, draft complex texts, and even offer advice on health, law, or education.

Yet behind this promise lies a mirage: LLMs neither think, nor reason, nor possess consciousness. They merely predict the next word, drawing upon what has already been written. What appears to be a profound truth is, in fact, only a statistical reflection.