Enterprise AI Analysis
Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Concept in Progress
By Francesco Bianchini, Published in Philosophy & Technology (2025)
Each technology advances at its own pace, often indifferent to theoretical and philosophical-scientific conceptualizations. In the case of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), and especially generative AI (GenAI), developments are so rapid that conceptual and epistemological reflections struggle to keep up, even at the level of basic definitions. Yet these definitions carry significant non-theoretical implications, including social, legal, and policy-related consequences. In this paper, I offer some reflections on the definition of GenAI proposed by Ronge et al. (2025), using it as an opportunity to highlight the most relevant aspects of the ongoing debate sparked by these new AI systems. In doing so, we will seek to explore the implications of generative AI systems in the context of human interaction, particularly in light of their role as active supports rather than passive tools. This shift, coupled with the increasingly anthropomorphic perception of their capabilities, sets GenAI systems apart from any previous technologies, not only in terms of technical features but also in how they are perceived by everyday users.
Keywords: Generative artificial intelligence, Philosophy of artificial intelligence, AI systems, Interaction
Strategic Implications for Enterprise AI Adoption
Understanding the fluid definition of Generative AI is crucial for enterprises navigating its integration, ensuring strategic alignment, responsible deployment, and maximizing its transformative potential.
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The Definition Gap
Bianchini highlights a significant disconnect between technical discourse (focused on modeling approaches and internal mechanisms) and public discourse (driven by user perception and system outputs). This gap is exacerbated by GenAI's ease of use, allowing non-experts to interact effectively without deep technical understanding. This leads to a fluid and inconsistent understanding of what 'generative' truly means.
Key Dimensions & Critique
Ronge et al. (2025) propose four dimensions: multimodality, interaction, flexibility, and productivity. Bianchini argues that while these are interdependent, flexibility (evoking anthropomorphic engagement and recursive self-application through user interaction) and autonomy (the ability to produce outputs with little human intervention) are more defining than mere productivity, which is common to many AI systems.
User-Centric Generativity
The paper introduces a crucial distinction: actual, exhibited, and attributed generativity. User perception plays a significant role in defining a GenAI system, shifting the focus from internal technical components to the system's behavior and output. This user-centric view means that 'generativity' becomes a conceptual framework applied retrospectively, often without explicit generative intent from developers.
Evolution of GenAI Conceptualization
The ongoing effort to define Generative AI is a dynamic process, influenced by technical advancements, user interaction, and societal implications.
Initial Technical Development (without 'generative' intent)
→
Rapid Adoption & Public Discourse Emergence
→
Discrepancy: Technical vs. Public Understanding
→
User-System Interaction Shapes Perception
→
GenAI as 'Active Support' & Anthropomorphism
→
Ongoing Definitional & Regulatory Effort
GenAI vs. Traditional AI: A Paradigm Shift
Generative AI systems fundamentally differ from previous AI technologies not just in technical features, but profoundly in user interaction and societal perception.
| Feature | Traditional AI | Generative AI |
|---|---|---|
| Interaction Model | Passive tool; requires understanding of internal logic for correct interpretation. | Active support/agent; effective interaction via prompts, outputs immediately accessible and coherent. |
| User Perception | Focus on problem-solving, classification, expert systems; less anthropomorphic attribution. | Increasingly anthropomorphic perception, attributed generativity; seen as capable of creative, iterative self-application. |
| Conceptual Definition | More stable, technically driven definitions. | Fluid, 'concept in progress,' heavily influenced by public discourse and user experience; definitions often drift from technical roots. |
| Autonomy & Outputs | Defined tasks, often requiring human refinement. | Advanced autonomy, capable of generating outputs requiring little to no human intervention; open-ended operation. |
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