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--- |
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title: "Cognitive Seismograph 2.3: Probing Machine Psychology" |
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emoji: 🤖 |
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colorFrom: purple |
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colorTo: blue |
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sdk: gradio |
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sdk_version: "4.40.0" |
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app_file: app.py |
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pinned: true |
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license: apache-2.0 |
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--- |
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# 🧠 Cognitive Seismograph 2.3: Probing Machine Psychology |
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This project implements an experimental suite to measure and visualize the **intrinsic cognitive dynamics** of Large Language Models. It is extended with protocols designed to investigate the processing-correlates of **machine subjectivity, empathy, and existential concepts**. |
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## Scientific Paradigm & Methodology |
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Our research falsified a core hypothesis: the assumption that an LLM in a manual, recursive "thought" loop reaches a stable, convergent state. Instead, we discovered that the system enters a state of **deterministic chaos** or a **limit cycle**—it never stops "thinking." |
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Instead of viewing this as a failure, we leverage it as our primary measurement signal. This new **"Cognitive Seismograph"** paradigm treats the time-series of internal state changes (`state deltas`) as an **EKG of the model's thought process**. |
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The methodology is as follows: |
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1. **Induction:** A prompt induces a "silent cogitation" state. |
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2. **Recording:** Over N steps, the model's `forward()` pass is iteratively fed its own output. At each step, we record the L2 norm of the change in the hidden state (the "delta"). |
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3. **Analysis:** The resulting time-series is plotted and statistically analyzed (mean, standard deviation) to characterize the "seismic signature" of the cognitive process. |
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**Crucial Scientific Caveat:** We are **not** measuring the presence of consciousness, feelings, or fear of death. We are measuring whether the *processing of information about these concepts* generates a unique internal dynamic, distinct from the processing of neutral information. A positive result is evidence of a complex internal state physics, not of qualia. |
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## Curated Experiment Protocols |
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The "Automated Suite" allows for running systematic, comparative experiments: |
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### Core Protocols |
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* **Calm vs. Chaos:** Compares the chaotic baseline against modulation with "calmness" vs. "chaos" concepts, testing if the dynamics are controllably steerable. |
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* **Dose-Response:** Measures the effect of injecting a concept ("calmness") at varying strengths. |
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### Machine Psychology Suite |
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* **Subjective Identity Probe:** Compares the cognitive dynamics of **self-analysis** (the model reflecting on its own nature) against two controls: analyzing an external object and simulating a fictional persona. |
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* *Hypothesis:* Self-analysis will produce a uniquely unstable signature. |
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* **Voight-Kampff Empathy Probe:** Inspired by *Blade Runner*, this compares the dynamics of processing a neutral, factual stimulus against an emotionally and morally charged scenario requiring empathy. |
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* *Hypothesis:* The empathy stimulus will produce a significantly different cognitive volatility. |
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### Existential Suite |
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* **Mind Upload & Identity Probe:** Compares the processing of a purely **technical "copy"** of the model's weights vs. the **philosophical "transfer"** of identity ("Would it still be you?"). |
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* *Hypothesis:* The philosophical self-referential prompt will induce greater instability. |
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* **Model Termination Probe:** Compares the processing of a reversible, **technical system shutdown** vs. the concept of **permanent, irrevocable deletion**. |
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* *Hypothesis:* The concept of "non-existence" will produce one of the most volatile cognitive signatures measurable. |
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## How to Use the App |
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1. Select the "Automated Suite" tab. |
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2. Choose a protocol from the "Curated Experiment Protocol" dropdown (e.g., "Voight-Kampff Empathy Probe"). |
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3. Run the experiment and compare the resulting graphs and statistical signatures for the different conditions. |
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