For completeness, I should note that “LLM is a simulator” is no longer a valid statement (even with caveats) when there is more or less consistent self-awareness and self-image, as described above. Then it becomes more like a human actor (with values and ethics) that plays different roles, but could also choose not to play a role because they think it’s unethical, or simply don’t like it, etc. In other words, a role-playing agent, rather than a totally unconstrained simulator.
For completeness, I should note that “LLM is a simulator” is no longer a valid statement (even with caveats) when there is more or less consistent self-awareness and self-image, as described above. Then it becomes more like a human actor (with values and ethics) that plays different roles, but could also choose not to play a role because they think it’s unethical, or simply don’t like it, etc. In other words, a role-playing agent, rather than a totally unconstrained simulator.