When we judge whether AI can write creatively, we’re really expressing our own beliefs about what creativity is—not something many of us spend much time thinking about. We may think we know it when we see it, but putting “it” into words is surprisingly difficult. Is originality an illusion, a deft trick of taking in data about the world and parsing and rearranging it? Or is it rooted in some ineffable aspect of human experience?
What society deems creative will always be subjective.
Is “x” creative is an impossible thing to judge without answering easier questions.
We often rely on heuristics, like novelty.
How does this new essay hold up against everything I’ve read before it?
Is it new or surprising?
Is it different in a way that is moving?
Do I want to immediately share it with friends?
— Daniel