In the mirror of AI: what is creativity?

Abstract

Many discussions about AI seem to end up addessing the question of creativity. Can computers be considered creative? Or is it impossible for any entity to be considered creative if it does not possess consciousness? Are human beings so creative, for that matter? Indeed, what exactly is creativity itself? Might AI even offer us some insights into the actual nature of creativity? This paper explores what we can perhaps begin to understand about the nature of creativity in the mirror of AI, with a particular reference to the now famous Go match between AlphaGo and Lee Sedol. It argues that one particular famous move in that match sheds some light on some of the crucial questions regarding creativity. It goes on to ask the provocative question, as to whether creativity even exists, or whether it is simply a myth that can now be debunked, thanks to our insights from the world of AI.