Exploring how artificial intelligence reshapes our understanding of creativity, genius, and what it means to be human was the focus for a multidisciplinary workshop.
The event, held on September 19, featured thought-provoking presentations and open discussions on topics such as AI's influence on creativity, the ethical implications of machine learning, and the evolving boundaries between human and artificial intelligence. Participants exchanged ideas on systemic inequalities in recognising genius, the socio-legal aspects of AI, and the future of human ingenuity in an increasingly AI-driven world.
With its focus on cross-disciplinary dialogue, the workshop, organised by Patricia Živković, Senior Lecturer in Law, encouraged collaboration across fields and raised critical questions about the role of AI in shaping our future. The event sparked exciting discussions and laid the groundwork for potential collaborative research projects. We are bringing a short overview of the presentations that took place and the corresponding PowerPoint presentations:
Everyday Creativity: Genius, AI, and You and Me – Nicolas Le Bigre
Nicolas Le Bigre examined the intersection of human genius, everyday creativity, and artificial intelligence (AI), problematising the concepts while creating working definitions for them. In considering what we mean by creativity, he questioned if AI could be considered creative in its own right, or whether we might better understand it as a tool to support human creativity. He posed ethical questions surrounding the sources of AI datasets and prompted discussion on AI’s increasing integration into society.
Painting Music – Andrew Starkey
Andrew Starkey presented an innovative project where AI transformed visual art into music. Collaborating with artist Kate Steenhauer and Jack Caven, Starkey described how the AI analysed painting attributes to generate corresponding musical compositions. He addressed the technical aspects and philosophical implications, including questions about AI creativity, reasoning, and the legal ownership of AI-generated works.
Personal Avatars and Creativity in the Workplace – Paula Sweeney
Paula Sweeney explored the impact of personal avatars—avatars that represent and are trained on the personal data of a particular person—in workplace settings, focusing on how they might challenge the notion of human uniqueness and the value that arises from it. Sweeney raised concerns that avatars could undermine the irreplaceable value of human beings by serving as acceptable substitutes. Her presentation explored the ethical and philosophical implications of using avatars as proxies for human contributions in creative and professional contexts.
Just AI Transition – Rossana Ducato
Rossana Ducato introduced her proposal for a framework for a “Just AI Transition,” drawing parallels to the shift toward a low-carbon economy. She explored the potentially disruptive nature of certain AI applications and the responses already provided in specific fields, such as copyright and the creative industries. Ducato emphasised the need to move beyond a narrow, sector-specific approach, highlighting that the nature of the challenges requires a more comprehensive and balanced perspective that addresses underlying power, social, and economic inequalities. Her talk also raised important considerations regarding the environmental impact of AI technologies.
The Boundaries of Human Ability and Promissory Futures of AI in Healthcare – Sone Erikainen
Sone Erikainen discussed the potential for AI to augment human capabilities in healthcare rather than replace them. They highlighted robotic surgery, digital pathology, and socially assistive robots, while examining the ethical challenges of biased algorithms and the increasing entanglement of human and machine intelligence. Erikainen raised important questions about how these technologies will shape the future of healthcare, doctor-patient relationships, and care outcomes.
AI-Enabled Cyber Defence: Prospects and Challenges – Irene Couzigou
Professor Irene Couzigou explored the prospects and challenges of using autonomous AI in cyber defence. Her presentation tackled the legal and ethical complexities of AI-driven self-defence and countermeasures, particularly within the private sector. Couzigou addressed difficulties in attributing cyberattacks and questioned whether autonomous AI could meet the legal requirements of proportionality, necessity, and situational awareness when responding to harmful cyberoperations.