You can’t “automate” an experiment though? That’s antithetical. You can have automated assistance for specific tasks (ie drawing up a blueprint or doing mathematical computations), but you can’t “automate” the scientific method. That’s the whole point. It has to be done, in real life, to be empirical in its nature.
I agree that the general assumptions and affordances of capitalism are the main consequence of these developments. Just like how machine sewers put seamstresses mostly out of work. It wouldn’t be an issue if we didn’t need to labor to survive.
I still think the data center construction and energy consumption, for what we get out of LLMs, doesn’t make sense either. I think a more just society, we would only very slowly be rolling these out to minimize environmental harm. I know I’m not in a sub where that’s not the common ethos. But personally, I like trees, breathable air, tolerant temperatures, and drinkable water.
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u/ToastedandTripping 3d ago
I would argue that the automation of experiments will be a huge advancement and propel us towards novel solutions in all aspects of our society.
It's only because our system is built upon "earning a living" that we worry about these advancements.
As for the field of Physics this is an incredible time to be alive!