The Epistemological Consequences of Large Language Models: Rethinking collective intelligence and institutional knowledge

Research examines epistemological risks of widespread LLM adoption, arguing that while AI can reliably transmit information, it lacks reflective justification capabilities. The study warns that over-reliance on LLMs could weaken human critical thinking and proposes a three-tier framework to maintain epistemic standards.

• →LLMs approximate externalist reliabilism by reliably transmitting information but lack reflective justification capabilities.
• →Widespread outsourcing of reflective work to LLMs risks weakening human critical thinking and comprehension standards.
• →The research distinguishes between internalist justification (reflective understanding) and externalist justification (reliable transmission).
• →Over-reliance on LLMs could reduce agents' capacity to meet professional and civic epistemic duties.
• →Researchers propose a three-tier norm program including individual interaction models, institutional frameworks, and legislative constraints.