Assessing GPT-4’s Role as a Co-Collaborator in Scientific Research: A Case Study Analyzing Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity

Abstract

This study explores GPT-4 as a co-collaborator in scientific research, focusing on evaluating the consistency of Einstein’s Special Relativity Theory equations. GPT-4’s human-level performance makes it a valuable partner in complex research areas with limited access to human experts. Through in-depth conversations, GPT-4 confirmed an inconsistency in the SRT equations, challenging the theory’s validity. This inconsistency persisted except where x=ct, a conclusion reached after GPT-4 advised expanding the range over which the inconsistency was observed. Despite GPT-4’s biases, preference for preserving Einstein’s theory, and mathematical limitations, it contributed to an improved analytical approach and constraint expansion. This paper underscores the benefits and challenges of using GPT-4 in scientific research and highlights the need for caution regarding biases and limitations in large language models. Future research should aim to enhance these models' accuracy, trustworthiness, and objectivity in complex or controversial domains.

Assessing GPT-4’s Role as a Co-Collaborator in Scientific Research: A Case Study Analyzing Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity

“…[1,2] This case study investigates the potential of GPT-4 to critically examine the mathematical coherence of Einstein's SRT equations, and its efficacy as a research partner in pinpointing possible irregularities within these equations. Despite past attempts to expose inconsistencies in SRT and related equations being largely dismissed or overlooked, this study presents convincing evidence to the contrary [12][13][14][15][16][17]. Through detailed discussions with GPT-4, it appears that these inconsistencies in SRT mathematics may not be mere anomalies but could pervade extensively across the spatial domain.…”

“…The initial constraint 𝑥 = 1, 𝑣 = 0, 𝑡 = 0 stemmed from the author's prior work, which uncovered inconsistencies in the SRT system of equations. [13] During the interaction with GPT-4, the constraint range was expanded to include 𝑥 ∈ (−∞, ∞), 𝑡 ∈ (−∞, ∞), and 𝑣 ∈ (0, 𝑐).…”

“…[7,15,19,20] Despite its central role in modern physics, some researchers have identified potential inconsistencies within the mathematical underpinnings and logical interpretation of the theory. [12,13,21,22] The advent of sophisticated AI systems, exemplified by models such as GPT-4, signaled the onset of an era with unparalleled collaborative possibilities in scientific research. Within the intricate and often contentious domain of SRT critiques, GPT-4 emerges as a noteworthy ally.…”

“…Significant prior critiques of SRT, such as those by Herbert E. Ives, Herbert Dingle, and the author, have contributed to philosophical debates, highlighted potential contradictions, and detected potential flaws within the SRT equations. [12,13,15,23] The present paper aims to expand upon these works and differentiate itself by employing a comprehensive bounds analysis of the SRT equations and incorporating artificial intelligence, specifically GPT-4, as a co-collaborator.…”

“…To validate and assess GPT-4's responses, a human analysis of the system of equations explicitly found in Einstein's SRT derivation is first presented. [7,13] These equations are the relativistic transformation equations.…”