Göran Hermerén: "Can Computers Create Art"

Göran Hermerén, Professor Emeritus, Lund University: "Can Computers Create Art"

ABSTRACT
Problem. The question in the title is short for “Can computers using presently available AI computer programs or AI tools be autonomous artists that can create works of art for which they deserve credit as authors?” This question is, of course, different from “Can computers be used by human artists as tools to create art?” The latter question can be answered by yes, even if the first question is answered with no.

Method. In the debate on art and artificial intelligence (AI), there are arguments for and against various answers to the problems discussed in this article. Some of these arguments are based on controversial assumptions. Using standard methods of analytic philosophy, I have examined some key arguments as well as some relevant assumptions.

Conclusion. My conclusion is that computers using presently available AI tools or AI computer programs are not autonomous artists that can create works of art for which they deserve credit as authors.