For programmers developing with AI, the recent announcement of OpenAI was a bombshell: a new ChatGPT code interpreter plugin with a variety of features that could revolutionize the way programmers work. The tool, which will be available next week specifically for ChatGPT Plus subscribers, marks another milestone in the rapidly advancing capabilities of the AI, following the launch of GPT-4 and the introduction of web browsing.
With a focus on data visualization, the code interpreter – similar to a plugin from Wolfram – can convert data into more understandable, comprehensive formats. The ability to generate clean Python code as well as converting files between formats is also within his purview.
But OpenAI’s new tool doesn’t stop there. It’s also proven effective for unconventional tasks – like proving to people who believe the earth is flat that the earth is actually round. Or rather, spherical.
Ethan Mollick, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, shared on his blog how ChatGPT “can use Code Interpreter in novel and interesting ways,” such as using fact and code to fight flat-earthers. “I asked it to prove to a doubter that the earth is round, with code, and it provided multiple arguments by integrating the text with code and images.”
Decrypt tried a similar approach and the results, while not the same, were similar. To show that the earth is round, ChatGPT calculated the latitude on earth required to observe a star at a given angle above the horizon. Using Python code, the star Sirius was used as an example. After performing the calculation, ChatGPT concluded that observing Sirius at a height of 20 degrees above the horizon would require a latitude close to the North Pole.
This code-based demonstration reinforced the idea that the curvature of the earth affects the stars we see, a phenomenon inconsistent with a flat earth. It also explained why certain constellations, such as the Southern Cross, are only visible from certain locations due to the curvature of the earth.
In another example, a Python program was used to conclude that “a 6 foot observer can see about 4.83 kilometers (or about 3 miles) to the horizon before the curvature of the earth begins to block the view.” impede.”
We tried to be even more persistent and convince the chatbot that it was wrong. We argued that everything was a conspiracy, that the Coriolis effect was caused by the wind and not the curvature of the earth, and that it was the earth that was moving up and not gravity that was pulling things down. We also argued that time zones exist because the sun and moon orbit the earth, brightening some areas and darkening others.
ChatGPT countered every single one of our punches. This bot doesn’t want to believe.
ChatGPT Code Interpreter opens a world of possibilities, from making workflows effortless and efficient to settling age-old debates. Next time you have doubts about how the universe works, remember: ChatGPT has already solved the chicken-and-egg question and is now writing the code to fix things.
That alone constitutes a new kind of universal language. Because when it comes to proving that the earth is round, there is no single argument that outperforms Python.