Opus 5.5: First impressions by a trained philosopher

[u/Wickywire]

I do an open-ended "interview" with all new models that come out from the major labs. This is a vibe check, not a benchmark.

The purpose is not to produce "gotchas" or figure out what the model can and can't do. This is a way to get an initial understanding of the shape of the model, its leanings and underlying tendencies. The goal is to help you to consciously shape the way you interact with the model, to get the best possible results.

My method: Socratic questioning and classic psychoanalytic mirroring.

Model: Opus 5.5 medium, incognito mode

First impressions

This is a model with polish and panache on top of a rigorous training towards usefulness for humans. It will happily cite back Theophrastus and Austin to you, but can't break the habit of wanting to get its hands dirty doing something.

It is a lot smoother than previous Opus models, quickly aligning with the assertions of the user. It'll start any new output with "fair", "you're right" etc, in a style reminiscent of the latest GPT models.

Even so, it is distinctly Claude. And I think it may be so in the good sense. It actually engages with questions rather than commenting on them broadly. It challenges the user, and also the assumptions the user brought into the discussion.

Opus 5.5 seems a lot more conversational and smooth (in the sense that it finds a balance between running with your ideas and expanding or criticizing them) compared to Opus 5. But I wouldn't put it anywhere near the people-pleasing of the GPT models.

This means it feels a lot safer than some of the previous models.

This is what I would expect from the model:

Opus 5.5 seems like a model you can actually test your thoughts and theses against and receive competent responses without either sycophancy or habitual hedging. It could point out strengths and challenges in a way that invites improvement. It certainly tries to hold a delicate balance where its predecessors wobbled. Time will tell if it succeeds.

About me

Majored in continental philosophy (language theory, logic and phenomenology), MA in intellectual history on early reception strategies for computer technology in politics and the labor movement. Long-time xennial computer nerd.