DeepMind's Andrew Lampinen: why would only non-language input grant understanding?

AndrewLampinen · x · 2026-09-28

DeepMind researcher Andrew Lampinen pushes back on the claim that only non-linguistic inputs (images, sensor readings) can grant a model genuine understanding.

He questions why non-language things get a 'magical meaning-ness' that can't even in principle be present in language, noting that much of what an image or sensor reading conveys could just as well be said in a chat.

Related event: DeepMind Researchers Push Back on Claim That Only Images Bring Real Understanding(2 posts)→

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