AI's Role in Art Sparks Debate
The use of generative AI in artistic creation has sparked a significant debate, particularly highlighted by the case of Thélyson Orélien's novel C'était ça ou mourir, which is suspected of having used AI in its creation. The novel has generated substantial media commentary due to its symbolic significance and the controversy surrounding the author's potential use of AI.Author's Defense and Criticism
Initially viewed as a symbol of racial vindictiveness, its supporters followed the author's defense, which some critics argue may not have been the best approach. Some predict a deadly risk for "true manual writers" now competing "with the machine" (as if it were not piloted by a human).Human vs. Machine in Writing
Others argue that writing is an art and a human labor, and therefore a "book by AI" is not a book, forgetting that Orélien, if he used AI, remains a human who touched readers. Others are annoyed by the entry into an era of generalized authorial suspicion.Moral Concerns and Plagiarism
Almost all critics seemed to agree on the moral fault of using AI secretly, linking it to plagiarism — a much more direct copyright infringement. However, some question whether all uses of generative AI in creation have equal value, from documentation, spell checking, translation, or editorial smoothing, to brainstorming, narrative structure construction, or even automatic generation of sentences or entire chapters.Renegotiating the Reading Pact
The debate touches on the renegotiation of "reading pacts" between readers and authors, emphasizing the need for transparency about the means and significance of AI generation, which is far from monolithic. The article also explores the historical context of authorship, noting that the notion of the author as the sole master of their work has long been contested.Historical Context of Authorship
From ancient times, artists were often inspired by external sources, and the modern concept of individual authorship emerged gradually. The article references the works of Alexandre Gefen, who discusses the counter-history of the author from Calliope to AI, and William Marx, who suggests that literature may increasingly be produced by machines for machines.AI and Historical Art Practices
The use of AI in creation has been compared to historical practices such as the ready-made, chance, and nonsense in modern art, and the "death of the author" proclaimed by Roland Barthes and Michel Foucault. The article also references the work of Grégory Chatonsky, who discusses the co-creative relationships between humans and AI, and the concept of "codependency" between human and machine.AI's Roles in Creative Processes
The article highlights the different roles AI can play in the creative process, including the instigator, the editor, and the guide, as theorized by Jean-Pierre Balpe. The article also discusses the controversy surrounding the use of AI in art and literature, referencing cases such as Boris Eldagsen's submission of Pseudomnesia: The Electrician to the Sony World Photography Awards and Jason Allen's Theatrical Space Opera winning the 2022 Colorado State Fair prize.Public Reaction and Ethical Considerations
These cases suggest that indignation often targets less the mere presence of AI than the feeling of having been deceived. Some demand the creation of "AI-free sanctuaries," as expressed by Abel Quentin, while others argue that purism may not make sense given the ubiquity of AI in our technologies.Economic and Inclusive Impacts
The article also touches on the economic anxieties caused by AI, suggesting that mechanisms of redistribution of the economic value of the art market could alleviate these concerns. It also highlights the potential for AI to provide new means of expression, especially for those with social handicaps or limited access to traditional cultural networks.Future of Authorship
The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a more gradual theory of authorship regimes that allows for multiple writings between the most personal and the most impersonal work, leaving the choice to the creators as well as to the readers, spectators, and listeners.
