SIGNALAI·Jun 19, 2026, 4:00 AMSignal75Medium term

Creativity Reconsidered: Generative AI and the Problem of Intentional Agency

Source: arXiv cs.AI

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Creativity Reconsidered: Generative AI and the Problem of Intentional Agency

arXiv:2601.15797v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: Many theorists maintain that conscious intentional agency is a necessary condition of creativity. We argue that this requirement, which we call the Intentional Agency Condition (IAC), should be abandoned. We motivate this by highlighting the problems this criterion encounters in the face of recent advances in generative AI, which is ostensibly creative despite being incapable of intentional agency. We present two corpus analyses to illustrate the rapidly increasing tendency of people to predicate creativity to generative AI. In response to th

Why this matters
Why now

The rapid advancements in generative AI are forcing a re-evaluation of fundamental human concepts like creativity and intentionality, driven by the increasing sophistication and output quality of these systems.

Why it’s important

This re-evaluation impacts intellectual property, ethical frameworks, and the perceived unique value of human contribution, challenging established philosophical and legal definitions.

What changes

Our understanding of creativity expands beyond solely human, conscious intentional agency, potentially shifting how we attribute value and ownership in creative works.

Winners
  • · Generative AI developers
  • · AI ethicists and philosophers
  • · Creative industries leveraging AI
Losers
  • · Traditionalists in creative theory
  • · Legal frameworks based on human intentionality
  • · Philosophical schools denying AI creativity
Second-order effects
Direct

The definition of 'creative work' will broaden to include AI-generated content, influencing copyright and legal protections.

Second

Public perception of AI capabilities will evolve, leading to greater acceptance of AI as a creative partner or even autonomous creator.

Third

New economic models for valuing and compensating AI-driven creativity will emerge, potentially dislocating existing creative markets.

Editorial confidence: 90 / 100 · Structural impact: 60 / 100
Original report

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Read at arXiv cs.AI
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