The sophist in the server

Large language models can defend a hypothesis and its opposite with equal eloquence, raising a new risk for scientific reasoning: confusing rhetorical plausibility with evidential support. This essay analyzes how LLMs reshape creativity, judgment and responsibility in research—and how scientists can engage their fluency without surrendering epistemic discipline.

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Publication Details

Journal
EMBO Reports
Published
2026-02-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s44319-026-00711-w
Primary Topic
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

The sophist in the server

Maria T Colangelo, Carlo Galli
EMBO Reports
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
article

The sophist in the server

Maria T Colangelo, Carlo Galli
article en

Abstract

Large language models can defend a hypothesis and its opposite with equal eloquence, raising a new risk for scientific reasoning: confusing rhetorical plausibility with evidential support. This essay analyzes how LLMs reshape creativity, judgment and responsibility in research—and how scientists can engage their fluency without surrendering epistemic discipline.

EMBO ReportsVol. 27(5)
University of Parma (IT)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 68%
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
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The sophist in the server — Maria T Colangelo, Carlo Galli · EMBO Reports (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS