Generative artificial intelligence and the true, the good, and the beautiful

Oliver Bendel, © private Kai R. Joachim
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be encountered everywhere since the triumphant advance of generative AI. Hundreds of thousands of developers and consultants are further developing and occupying this topic, although they pursue very different interests. Millions of users try out text, image, and video generators or compose songs. Companies use chatbots and industrial and service robots that are connected to large-scale language models.
Despite all the progress and success, however, admonishing voices are now being heard to an increasing extent – on the part of AI experts as well as philosophers, psychologists, and historians. The economic informatics specialist and technological philosopher Oliver Bendel was well aware of the risks of generative AI. Nevertheless, in his lecture he focused on the opportunities offered, following the triad of the true, the good, and the beautiful. He presented concepts, prototypes, and products that enrich and improve our everyday life and work.
Ultimately, however, he still had doubts. These concern for example copyright law and protection, the countless opportunities for surveillance, the power of corporations – and the consumption of electricity and resources. What price do we pay for the true, the good, and the beautiful?