In a recent article, renowned science fiction writer Ted Chiang argues that no matter how advanced generative AI becomes, it will never be able to create true art. Chiang, known for his novella “Story Of Your Life,” suggests that the potential of large language models (LLMs) is still largely theoretical. Despite the advancements in AI technology, Chiang believes that these tools have primarily served to lower our expectations in both what we read and what we write.
Chiang goes on to highlight the fundamentally dehumanizing nature of generative AI. He claims that by relying on AI to generate content, we are diminishing our role as creators and interpreters of meaning. As Chiang puts it, true art stems from the conscious act of making choices, something that AI lacks the capability to do authentically.
While acknowledging the difficulty in defining art, Chiang proposes that art is the result of deliberate choices made by the artist. Whether these choices lead to a masterpiece or a failure is irrelevant; what matters is the act of communication between the creator and the audience. According to Chiang, true meaning is brought into the world through our interactions with others, not through the mechanical output of AI algorithms.
Chiang’s argument underscores the irreplaceable role of human creativity in the creation of art. While AI may be capable of mimicking certain aspects of human expression, it lacks the depth and nuance that comes from lived experience and personal interpretation. True art, according to Chiang, is a reflection of our unique perspectives and choices, something that AI will never be able to replicate.
Chiang’s critique of generative AI raises important questions about the limits of technology in the realm of art. While AI may continue to advance and evolve, it will never be able to replace the creative essence of human expression. Art, as Chiang suggests, is not just the end product but the process of creation itself, a deeply human experience that transcends the capabilities of artificial intelligence.