What If...?
How Does an LLM Work?
Calibrated speculation in both directions: three positive, three negative scenarios — each with a condition analysis. What would need to be true for each to happen?
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Learning Material
5 pagesLesson 10 — What If...?
Understanding the Complex: How Does an LLM Work?
As of May 2026
Everything in this course so far has been about what we know or what researchers are actively working on. This lesson is different. Here we ask: if the next breakthrough comes — what doors does it open? And what could go wrong?
These aren't predictions. They're scenarios. Possibilities worth thinking through so you're not surprised if — or when — some of them arrive. Hold the contents of this lesson more loosely than the others. But take them seriously.