Artificial Intelligence, Art, and the Future of Human Expression at The New School, New York

Teaching Philosophy of AI at The New School in New York offered an exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping our relationship with knowledge and creativity. Working with artists, musicians, and performers, we examined everything from ChatGPT and machine learning to epistemic autonomy and AI-mediated knowledge. It was fascinating to see how artists approach AI differently than technologists. While tech discussions often focus on capabilities and limitations, these creators brought fresh perspectives on AI as a form of cultural technology and knowledge mediator. We explored metaphors - from "stochastic parrots" to "autocomplete on steroids" - each revealing different aspects of how AI shapes our understanding and creative processes. These discussions deeply connected with my current research on epistemic autonomy and AI authorship. As we increasingly rely on large language models and AI systems for knowledge and creative work, how do we maintain independent thinking and artistic agency? The insights from The New School's creative community added valuable perspectives to these philosophical questions about knowledge, creativity, and human-AI collaboration.