OpenAI's GPT-5 Pro Excels in Complex Hypothetical Reasoning, Signals Advanced AI Capabilities

OpenAI's recently launched GPT-5 Pro model is demonstrating exceptional proficiency in handling intricate hypothetical scenarios, a capability highlighted by Wharton professor Ethan Mollick. The advanced AI model, a version of GPT-5 designed for extended reasoning, showcases a significant leap in artificial intelligence's ability to engage with complex, imaginative problems.

Mollick shared examples of GPT-5 Pro's capabilities on social media, including its responses to prompts such as: > "I have a time machine. I want to preserve the temple of Artemis at Ephesus to today. Suggest the dates & interventions I need to make" and > "Its 2087, a very valuable material is discovered on Io. Figure out what & the economy." These instances underscore the model's capacity for creative problem-solving and detailed, imaginative output.

OpenAI officially introduced GPT-5 in August 2025, positioning it as a "unified system" that excels across coding, math, writing, health, and visual perception. The GPT-5 Pro tier, available to Pro, Team, Enterprise, and Edu customers, specifically offers "extended reasoning for even more comprehensive and accurate answers." This enhanced reasoning allows the model to process queries for longer durations, delivering expert-level responses to challenging tasks.

The model's ability to tackle "weird hypotheticals" aligns with OpenAI's emphasis on GPT-5's improved steerability and capacity to follow detailed instructions with high accuracy. This represents a notable advancement in AI's cognitive functions, moving beyond simple information retrieval to sophisticated, multi-layered problem-solving that requires deep understanding and creative extrapolation. The development suggests a future where AI can serve as a more robust thought partner in diverse, complex fields.