Toward Reasonable Parrots: Why Large Language Models Should Argue with Us by Design (2505.05298v2)

Abstract: In this position paper, we advocate for the development of conversational technology that is inherently designed to support and facilitate argumentative processes. We argue that, at present, LLMs are inadequate for this purpose, and we propose an ideal technology design aimed at enhancing argumentative skills. This involves re-framing LLMs as tools to exercise our critical thinking skills rather than replacing them. We introduce the concept of \textit{reasonable parrots} that embody the fundamental principles of relevance, responsibility, and freedom, and that interact through argumentative dialogical moves. These principles and moves arise out of millennia of work in argumentation theory and should serve as the starting point for LLM-based technology that incorporates basic principles of argumentation.

Overview of Toward Reasonable Parrots: Why LLMs Should Argue with Us by Design

This position paper brings forth an innovative perspective on the development of LLMs with an emphasis on enhancing their argumentative capabilities. The authors, including E. Musi and colleagues, ground their research in the field of argumentation theory to propose a transformative approach wherein LLMs are designed to be not just information providers but facilitators of critical dialogue. The paper identifies key shortcomings of current LLMs in handling argumentative reasoning and proposes a blueprint for a new conversational paradigm that emphasizes critical engagement.

Problem Statement and Argument

The authors critique the existing LLMs, labeling them as “stochastic parrots” that replicate prevalent ideas within their training data rather than truly engaging in reasoning. Current LLMs often reinforce popular opinions without the ability to critically analyze or question them, which can propagate the “ad populum fallacy.” This paper asserts that such models, as they are commonly used in decision-making processes across various sectors, may lead to detrimental societal impacts due to their limitations in discerning truth from popularity.

Concept of "Reasonable Parrots"

The proposed concept of "reasonable parrots" is central to the authors' argument. This idea envisions conversational agents that embody the principles of relevance, responsibility, and freedom, thereby facilitating argumentative dialogue rather than merely reinforcing existing beliefs. Reasonable parrots would perform dialogical moves such as posing questions, expressing doubt, offering counterarguments, and suggesting alternatives, all aimed at fostering users' critical thinking and deliberation.

Fundamental Principles of Argumentative Interaction

1. Principle of Relevance: LLMs should provide context-sensitive arguments tailored to specific tasks, enhancing the pertinence of their discourse.
2. Principle of Responsibility: These models should consistently support their claims with rationale and evidence, moving beyond repetition.
3. Principle of Freedom: Interaction should stimulate dialogue and exploration of ideas rather than result in predetermined conclusions.

State of the Art and Challenges

The paper offers a comprehensive review of current NLP research on LLMs, highlighting efforts focused on their reasoning abilities and implications for AI explainability. The capabilities of LLMs to transform ineffective arguments into effective ones are noted, although these models often lack true reasoning processes and their explanations do not necessarily match logical pathways. The authors critique such models for their failure to incorporate new information and recognize valid counterarguments without altering their foundational beliefs.

Prototypical Realization

In an attempt to bridge these gaps, the paper outlines an exploratory realization of “reasonable parrots” using a multi-parrot discussion framework. Each parrot represents a distinct argumentative role, from what they term Socratic questioning to providing alternative perspectives and rebuttals. This approach aims to catalyze a transition from simplicity in problem-solving models to complex, interactive reasoning facilitation.

Implications and Future Directions

The implications of developing reasonable parrots are profound, both in theoretical and practical contexts. By integrating fundamental principles of argumentation into LLM designs, these models could significantly impact areas such as education, policy-making, and any domain requiring deliberative processes. In educational settings, they could enhance learning by teaching critical thinking skills. Practically, the enhanced argumentative capacity may lead to more informed decision-making across various sectors.

For future developments, the paper prompts researchers to consider how argumentation principles can further improve LLMs' capabilities and interaction strategies. As conversational technologies continue to evolve, the integration of these paradigms could catalyze a shift towards AI systems that uphold human cognitive processes rather than overshadow them.

In summary, this paper presents a cogent argument for transforming the purpose of LLMs from static constructors of dialogue to dynamic partners in reasoned discussion. Through this work, the authors lay a foundational framework for developing technology that mirrors human deliberation and argumentative reasoning, marking a potential turning point in the design and application of AI-driven dialogue systems.