The Death of the Author? AI and the Future of Literature

Abstract

This paper challenges deeply ingrained philosophical concepts of authorship, originality and the nature of literary expression by examining the transformative impact of AI’s increasing role as a creative collaborator. Through a close analysis of case studies featuring human/AI cocreated literary works, the paper scrutinises the blurring boundaries between human and artificial creativity. It interrogates our evolving definitions of what constitutes an ‘author’ and a ‘literary’ work in a world where sophisticated AI can produce stylistically accomplished text. Addressing a critical and timely issue, this paper expands the existing body of literature by presenting AI-authored works not as technological curiosities, but as catalysts compelling us to reconsider the philosophical foundations of the literary endeavour. Offering a unique perspective, the paper bridges cutting-edge AI research with philosophical theories of authorship. It draws parallels to historical movements that similarly challenged the notion of a singular author, contextualising AI as the latest evolution of this inquiry. The research adopts a hybrid methodology, blending case study analysis with rigorous philosophical interrogation. Rather than proposing definitive answers, the paper serves as a platform for provoking thoughtful reexamination of our fundamental assumptions about artistic creation. It explores questions surrounding consciousness, intentionality and the evolving role of the human writer in a literary landscape where machines demonstrate a capacity for generating aesthetically engaging texts.