*source: [https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/400531/ai-reasoning-models-openai-deepseek](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/400531/ai-reasoning-models-openai-deepseek)*

**I. Setting the Stage: The AI Reasoning Conundrum**

- **Core Inquiry:**
  - Are these new AI models genuinely engaging in "thought" or simply performing an elaborate mimicry of human reasoning?
- **Backdrop:**
  - A shift from older, pattern-based models (like ChatGPT) to emerging systems that claim to "think" more like us.

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**II. Evolving AI: From Pattern Matching to Chain-of-Thought**

- **Older AI Models:**
  - Rely on vast datasets to produce rapid responses—more a matter of recall than reasoning.
- **New Contenders (e.g., OpenAI’s o1 and DeepSeek’s r1):**
  - Use a method known as “chain-of-thought reasoning,” breaking problems into sequential, manageable steps.

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**III. Dissecting Chain-of-Thought Reasoning**

- **How It Works:**
  - The model decomposes a complex problem into smaller chunks, addressing each step in sequence.
- **Strengths and Weaknesses:**
  - Excels at tasks requiring logical progression (think intricate puzzles or code challenges), yet sometimes stumbles on simpler tasks where a direct approach would suffice.

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**IV. The Great Debate: Real Reasoning or Clever Mimicry?**

- **Skeptical Perspective:**
  - Critics argue that what appears to be reasoning is just a sophisticated form of memorized heuristics—no true understanding involved.
- **Optimistic Perspective:**
  - Advocates see these models as a significant leap forward, even if their reasoning is “jagged” (strong in some areas, limited in others).

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**V. Final Thoughts: Embracing Complexity with Cautious Optimism**

- **Acknowledging the Progress:**
  - The advances are impressive, yet we must remain critical of their limitations.
- **Looking Ahead:**
  - These models are evolving. While they offer promising capabilities, their “intelligence” remains uneven—a reminder that genuine human thought is still uniquely nuanced.