Conducting Innovative Thought Experiments and Simulations With Large Language Models: Systematic Approach and Ethical Concerns


Niftiyev I.

in: Innovations and Ethical Dimensions of Large Language Models, Shafiq Ul Rehman, Editor, IGI Global yayınevi, Pennsylvania, pp.99-132, 2026

  • Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Research Book
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.4018/979-8-3373-5017-2.ch004
  • Publisher: IGI Global yayınevi
  • City: Pennsylvania
  • Page Numbers: pp.99-132
  • Editors: Shafiq Ul Rehman, Editor
  • Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

As the world celebrates the advent of man's new “best friend,” artificial intelligence (AI), ethical considerations should not be neglected to prevent potential future harm. Therefore, this chapter explores the ethical dimensions of semantic simulations conducted with large-scale language models (LLMs) in the context of alternative economic and historical developments in the former Soviet Union (FSU), the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the United Kingdom (UK). Using an exclusively developed ethical checklist, qualitative content analysis (QCA), and expert assessments, key issues are examined to shed light on the epistemic transparency, source integrity, bias and representation, presentism and anachronism, etc. of the semantic simulations produced. In addition, the limitations of the models, the reproducibility and the audit trail were also evaluated from an ethical perspective. The results are useful for scientists, educators, policy makers, etc. to carefully consider AI and LLMs in human life.