The lost logos of code
This article explores the concept of 'logos' in the context of coding and the impact of AI-generated code on the personal creative expression of software engineers.
Why it matters
This article highlights the impact of AI on the creative expression and personal identity of software engineers, raising questions about the changing nature of coding and the human-machine relationship.
Key Points
- 1Logos is the mode by which everything becomes known and manifests personal creative activity
- 2Before AI, code reflected the unique logos of the software engineer, allowing others to participate in their technical energy
- 3AI-generated code loses this personal logos, becoming a neutral, optimized output rather than an 'effected word'
- 4The human presence and dialogue between engineer and code is diminished with AI-generated code
Details
The article delves into the philosophical concept of 'logos', which refers to the inherent 'word' or 'reason' that makes a thing known and discloses its identity and substance. Logos is seen as a relational, participatory form of knowledge, where we can discern the otherness of an artist or creator through their work. Before the advent of AI, the code written by software engineers carried this personal logos, allowing others to engage with the engineer's unique technical energy and creative activity. However, with the rise of AI-generated code, where the engineer simply describes an intent and the machine produces the output, the code loses this personal logos. It becomes a neutral, optimized object rather than an 'effected word' signifying the engineer's presence. The article ponders how to regain this relationship between the human and the code they create.
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