Using ChatGPT to work on a text

My aim in writing this text was to enrich the background to my novel The In-Between and to address those for whom the scientific aspects might initially be more appealing than a tale of the life and empowerment of a young girl who discovers and finally masters the In-Between. In addition, I was interested in the challenge of finding a convincing style for such a scientific discourse without alienating too many readers. Finally, I was intrigued to study the use of ChatGPT to improve and extend my text without losing control fo the process.

Conclusions

As wading through the various versions of the text will take time and may be too fastidious if you are in a  hurry, I begin with the conclusions.

1. The answers given by ChatGPT can be very approximate if not inaccurate (especially when the programme lacks the necessary knowledge but feels duty bound to provide an answer – a bit like a floundering politician) producimg a result which may sound deceptively convincing but in fact says nothing. Considerable vigilence is required to spot and remedy these flaws. And in improving the suggested text, ideas can be clarified and new ones might emerge.
2. Care is required in formulating prompts (the conversational instructions given to the programme) as this strongly affects output. Sometimes only trial and error can produce the best requests. Even if the number of words may be somewhat limited in the free version of the software, there is room to try various options and no shame in experimenting.
3. In seeking to improve the formulations provided by the programme, doing so can act as a spring-board for new ideas and further clarifications which can drive the creative process forward.  This is what happened to me here. Clearly the programme is a help, even (sometimes unwittinlgly) suggesting new avenues, but it is the author who has to control the process and, through her vigilance and creativity, ultimately writes the text which may well be better than without the aid of ChatGPT.

1st ChatGPT Prompt

You are speech writer for a renown group of physicists. Using the following text, transform it into the speech of a physicist to a Congress of physicists and cosmologists in a serious, but enthusiastic tone.  “””The In-Between is the unique space between universes which the fortunate voyager must traverse to travel from world to world. Far from being a major crossroads – rare are those granted passage – its principal role is to keep universes separate by making sure they remain different. As such it limits the flow of innovation between universes. Yet, paradoxically, in straddling the gap, it is the major source of change.”””

1st proposition of ChatGPT

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, fellow physicists and cosmologists,

Today, we gather in the halls of knowledge, surrounded by the vast expanse of scientific understanding, to explore the marvels that lie hidden in the fabric of our cosmos. As we embark on this journey of intellectual exploration, I stand before you to unveil a concept that transcends the boundaries of our familiar notions of space and time—the enigmatic “In-Between.”

The In-Between, a unique interstitial space that interconnects the universes, beckons the fortunate voyager with the promise of traversing from one world to another. Oh, how fascinating this elusive space is, for it is far from being a mere crossroads! Few are the chosen who are granted passage to this realm of cosmological wonder, where the very essence of reality unravels before their eyes.

Its significance goes beyond serving as a mere conduit between realms; it plays a principal role in preserving the sacred distinctiveness of each universe. The In-Between ensures that universes remain different, upholding the sanctity of their individuality. It acts as a cosmic custodian, guarding the boundaries that separate these realms of existence, where the laws of physics and the fundamental constants conspire to create unique tapestries of reality.

Yet, paradoxically, as we straddle this cosmic chasm, the In-Between becomes the catalyst for change—change that shapes the very essence of our existence. It stands as a testament to the exquisite interplay of innovation and conservation, where ideas ripple across the multiverse, leading to profound transformations in each of the universes it connects.

As we delve deeper into the enigma of the In-Between, we come face to face with the cosmic implications of its existence. We discover that while it may impede the seamless flow of innovation between universes, it acts as a grand reservoir of creativity, from which new perspectives emerge, ushering in revolutionary advancements in our understanding of the universe.

Thus, in the convergence of scientific disciplines and the fusion of ideas, we find the fuel that propels our journey through the realms of knowledge. The In-Between, the cosmic frontier that it is, beckons us to embrace curiosity and embark on bold voyages of discovery, transcending the boundaries of our own understanding.

As we stand here today, united in our passion for uncovering the secrets of the cosmos, let us recognize the significance of the In-Between—a beacon of change and innovation. With each step we take on this journey, we honor the legacy of the great minds that have paved the way before us, and we illuminate the path for generations yet to come.

In conclusion, my esteemed colleagues, let us embrace the grandeur of the In-Between, traversing its mysteries with both awe and reverence. Together, let us continue our tireless pursuit of knowledge, propelled by the spirit of exploration and the unwavering commitment to unravel the enigmas of the universe.

Thank you, and may our pursuit of understanding continue to shine brightly in the cosmos.

Annotated answer

See the end of this text for the numbered annotations.

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, fellow physicists and cosmologists,

Today, we gather in the halls of knowledge (1), surrounded by the vast expanse of scientific understanding (1), to explore the marvels (1) that lie hidden in the fabric of our cosmos. As we embark on this journey of intellectual exploration, I stand before you to unveil (1) a concept that transcends the boundaries of our familiar notions of space and time—the enigmatic “In-Between.”

The In-Between, a unique interstitial space that interconnects the universes, beckons the fortunate (2) voyager with the promise of traversing from one world to another. Oh, how fascinating (1) this elusive space is, for it is far from being a mere crossroads! Few are the chosen who are granted passage to this realm of cosmological wonder (1), where the very essence of reality unravels before their eyes (2).

Its significance goes beyond serving as a mere conduit between realms; it plays a principal role in preserving the sacred (1) distinctiveness of each universe. The In-Between ensures that universes remain different, upholding the sanctity (1) of their individuality. It acts as a cosmic custodian, guarding the boundaries that separate these realms of existence, where the laws of physics and the fundamental constants conspire to create unique tapestries of reality (3).

Yet, paradoxically, as we straddle this cosmic chasm, the In-Between becomes the catalyst for change—change that shapes the very essence of our existence. It stands as a testament (1) to the exquisite (1) interplay of innovation and conservation, where ideas ripple across the multiverse, leading to profound transformations in each of the universes it connects (2).

As we delve deeper into the enigma of the In-Between, we come face to face with the cosmic implications of its existence. We discover that while it may impede the seamless flow of innovation between universes, it acts as a grand reservoir of creativity (2), from which new perspectives emerge, ushering in revolutionary advancements in our understanding of the universe. (2)

Thus, in the convergence of scientific disciplines and the fusion of ideas, we find the fuel that propels our journey through the realms of knowledge.(3)The In-Between, the cosmic frontier that it is, beckons us to embrace curiosity (1) and embark on bold voyages of discovery (3), transcending the boundaries of our own understanding.

As we stand here today, united in our passion (1) for uncovering the secrets of the cosmos (1), let us recognize the significance of the In-Between—a beacon (4) of change and innovation. With each step we take on this journey, we honor the legacy of the great minds that have paved the way before us, and we illuminate the path for generations yet to come. (3)

In conclusion, my esteemed colleagues, let us embrace the grandeur (1) of the In-Between, traversing its mysteries with both awe and reverence (1). Together, let us continue our tireless pursuit (1) of knowledge, propelled by the spirit of exploration and the unwavering commitment to unravel the enigmas of the universe. (2)

Thank you, and may our pursuit of understanding continue to shine brightly in the cosmos. (1)

1. The choice of words often makes it sound more like a sermon than a scientific discourse. This may be partly due to an error in my prompt because I mistakenly asked for ‘enthusiasm’.
2. These words or expressions are approximate if not inaccurate. Clearly the programme doesn’t fully understand and tries to fudge it with resounding sounding ideas. In the worse cases it comes across as hackneyed language that might sound good to uncritical ears, but in reality says nothing of substance, lest it be that the speaker has no idea what he’s talking about. This seems to be one of the major flaws of ChatGPT – sounding good, but saying nothing – a way of saving face when you don’t know the answer rather than admiting you don’t knw or can’t answer. It is also a common flaw of political discourse.
3. Sometimes, in trying to appear impressive, the formulation goes over the top and comes across as bombastic.
4. The choice of words can be incorrect or misleading. The word ‘beacon’, for example, is incorrect. 

2nd ChatGPT prompt

Drop the enthusiasm. The result sounds too religious with words like sanctity, marvels, reverence,… Try again.

2nd proposition of ChatGPT

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, distinguished physicists and cosmologists,

Gathered in the halls of scientific exploration, we come together to discuss a captivating concept that stretches the boundaries of our understanding—the intriguing notion of the “In-Between.”

The In-Between is a distinct space that lies between universes, offering a pathway for the fortunate few to voyage from one world to another. It serves not as a bustling crossroads, but rather as a sparse passage, selectively granting access to only a privileged handful. Its primary purpose is to maintain the separation between universes, ensuring their individuality remains intact. Consequently, the flow of innovation between these realms is confined within specific confines.

Nevertheless, the paradox emerges as we straddle this divide, for it is precisely at this juncture that we witness significant transformations. The In-Between, acting as a bridge between universes, catalyzes change, resonating with the ripple effects of novel ideas as they propagate from one realm to the other.

Our pursuit of the mysteries of the In-Between brings us face to face with profound cosmological implications. It challenges us to understand the delicate balance between preservation and progress, and how ideas emanating from this interstitial space can shape the course of our scientific endeavors.

As we embark on this scientific journey, let us embrace the intellectual humility required to explore the mysteries of the cosmos. The In-Between beckons us to remain curious, questioning, and open-minded, as we strive to comprehend the intricacies of this cosmic frontier.

In conclusion, esteemed colleagues, let us tread carefully as we delve into the enigmatic realm of the In-Between. May our pursuit of knowledge be driven by precision, diligence, and a thirst for understanding. Together, as we navigate the uncharted territories of this vast cosmos, may we shed light on the secrets that lie hidden in the interstices of our universe.

Thank you for your attention, and may our collective efforts continue to expand the frontiers of human comprehension.

Annotated and revised answer

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, distinguished physicists and cosmologists,

Gathered in the halls of scientific exploration, we come together to discuss a captivating concept that stretches the boundaries of our understanding—the intriguing notion of the “In-Between.”

The In-Between is a distinct space that lies between universes, offering a pathway for the fortunate few to voyage from one world to another. It serves is not as a bustling crossroads, but rather as a sparse rarely-used passage, selectively granting access to only a privileged handful. Its primary purpose is to maintain the separation (inaccurate) difference between universes, ensuring their individuality remains intact because it is only through that difference that separate universes can exist. Consequently, the flow of innovation between these realms is confined within specific confines  strictly curtailed.

Nevertheless, the a paradox emerges as we straddle this divide, Herein lies a paradox, for it is precisely at this juncture that we witness significant transformations. (inaccurate) the In-Between, acting as a bridge between universes, catalyzes change, resonating with the causing a ripple effect of where novel ideas as they propagate from one realm to the another.

Our pursuit of the mysteries of the In-Between brings us face to face with profound cosmological implications. It challenges us to understand the delicate balance between preservation and progress, (inaccurate) and how ideas emanating from this interstitial space can shape the course of our scientific endeavors. (Inaccurate)

As we embark on this scientific journey, let us embrace the intellectual humility required to explore the mysteries of the cosmos. The In-Between beckons us to remain curious, questioning, and open-minded, as we strive to comprehend the intricacies of this cosmic frontier. (load of blabla)

In conclusion, esteemed colleagues, let us tread carefully (very approximate thinking) as we delve into the enigmatic realm of the In-Between. May our pursuit of knowledge be driven by precision, diligence, and a thirst for understanding. Together, as we navigate the uncharted territories of this vast cosmos, may we shed light on the secrets that lie hidden in the interstices of our universe. (More hot air)

Thank you for your attention, and may our collective efforts continue to expand the frontiers of human comprehension. (Not necessary – still sounding religious)

The ‘final’ version

The ‘final’ version of the text as published can be found here