Homer's Muses vs. AI: Why True Speech Cannot Be Computed
In a recent contribution to The FASO Way newsletter, Eugene Terekhin contends that true speech and art cannot be generated by artificial intelligence. He juxtaposes the ancient Greek perspective of words as divine inspirations from the Muses with contemporary views that reduce them to mere labels. Terekhin references Homer's invocation of Calliope in the Odyssey, underscoring the reliance of poets on higher inspiration. He criticizes Google's AI Gemini for referring to writing as 'a set of steps,' deeming it sacrilegious. He coins the term 'AI-slop' to describe uninspired, algorithm-driven content and recounts a personal moment of recognizing divine beauty in language. This essay, featuring a painting by Melani Pyke, will be accessible only to paying members after two days, as part of The FASO Way's discussion on art in the age of AI. Clint Watson reaffirms the platform's dedication to celebrating Beauty.
Key facts
- Eugene Terekhin wrote an essay titled 'Homer and the Muses: The Speech That No Algorithm Can Produce' for The FASO Way newsletter.
- Terekhin is a regular contributing writer to The FASO Way and author of the Philosophy of Language Substack.
- The essay argues that AI cannot produce true speech because true words are inspired by the Muses or the Spirit.
- Homer's Odyssey begins with an invocation to the Muse, specifically Calliope, daughter of Zeus.
- Terekhin quotes Gemini's description of a writing process as 'a set of steps that a writer takes' and criticizes it as sacrilegious.
- The term 'AI-slop' is used to describe uninspired, algorithm-generated content.
- The article will be locked for paying members only in two days.
- The essay features a painting by FASO member Melani Pyke, 'Breath to Wings of Life-Giving Water' (8 x 8, oil on canvas).
- Clint Watson, founder of FASO, adds a note about the platform's mission to promote artists and hold Beauty sacred.
Entities
Artists
- Eugene Terekhin
- Homer
- Calliope
- Melani Pyke
- Clint Watson
Institutions
- The FASO Way
- Philosophy of Language
- FASO