In the world of artificial intelligence, there is a growing debate about whether or not generative AI can create true art. Writer Ted Chiang has weighed in on the topic, arguing that AI will never be able to create true art because it is a fundamentally dehumanizing technology that treats us as less than what we are: creators and apprehenders of meaning.
Chiang’s argument is based on the idea that art is something that results from making a lot of choices. Auto-complete algorithms, which are used by many large language models, can never engage in an act of communication between the creator and the audience. This is because they are designed to predict what the user is going to say next, rather than to create something new and meaningful.
Chiang believes that true art is something that comes from the heart and soul of the creator. It is a reflection of their experiences, emotions, and thoughts. It is something that is created through a process of trial and error, experimentation, and exploration. It is not something that can be generated by an algorithm.
Chiang’s argument is not just about the limitations of AI, but also about the importance of human interaction and communication. He believes that we bring meaning into the world by living our lives in interaction with others. This is something that an auto-complete algorithm can never do.
In conclusion, while generative AI may be able to create impressive works of art, it will never be able to create true art. This is because art is something that comes from the heart and soul of the creator, and is a reflection of their experiences, emotions, and thoughts. It is not something that can be generated by an algorithm. Furthermore, the importance of human interaction and communication cannot be overstated. We bring meaning into the world by living our lives in interaction with others, something that an auto-complete algorithm can never do.