Conversation between AI and I | 02
[On Universal Beauty and AI Aesthetic 🥀] DISØRDINARY BƏAUTY 🥀
Oi Dialogoi
“Instead of configuring itself as a tool in the service of a single artistic imagination, AI has transformed itself into a mechanism for influencing the collective imagination. The collected and aggregated data relating to the cultural behaviors of this multitude of people are aimed at shaping our “aesthetic self”, predicting our future aesthetic decisions and our tastes, and potentially orienting us towards the options preferred by the majority. The integration of AI into the cultural daily lives of billions of people brings with it important questions about the future of culture, aesthetics, and taste.”
Lev Manovich, AI Aesthetics.
I have embraced a conversation with AI, specifically ChatGPT, on a series of subjects inherent in my current artistic research, the glitch art project and NFT collection titled DISØRDINARY BƏAUTY 🥀 [the thorn sense of beauty]. I aimto explore the #NewAesthetic of beauty and ugliness in the collective mind of AI and beyond through a conversation made of prompts and images, and words. Highlighting biases, conflicts, and eventually also the good side of AI, to find out how AI is influencing our sense and understanding of beauty and ugliness in society, popular culture, and art.
The project is taking place on an Instagram site-specific dedicated page, and the Glitch Art NFT collection is available on Ethereum. The project’s official webpage is available on my website.
This is the second chat I had with ChatGPT. The AI’s replies are not edited. More conversations are coming soon.
Conversation between I and AI | 02
[On Universal Beauty and AI Aesthetic 🥀]
I: Today I would like to inquire you about universal beauty. Is there a canon of beauty that stands above everything else and why?
AI: The concept of beauty is highly subjective and can vary greatly among different cultures and individuals. There is no single canon of beauty that stands above everything else. Different societies and individuals have different standards and preferences for what is considered beautiful. Additionally, beauty can be found in many different forms, including nature, art, and even mathematical patterns. Ultimately, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and can be defined differently by each individual.
I: Do you believe that the classic belief of universal beauty praised in aesthetics by many philosophers and artists is obsolete and not relevant in our contemporary society?
AI: The idea of universal beauty has been a subject of debate among philosophers and artists for centuries. Some argue that there is a universal standard of beauty that transcends cultural and individual differences, while others believe that beauty is highly subjective and can vary greatly among different cultures and individuals.
In contemporary society, the idea of universal beauty may be viewed as obsolete by some, as there is a growing recognition of the diversity of human experience and the importance of inclusivity and representation in art and media. The contemporary view of beauty is more inclusive and diverse and it is not limited to a specific standard of beauty.
However, it’s important to note that the belief in universal beauty is not necessarily outdated or irrelevant. Many people continue to find beauty in traditional forms and universal principles, such as symmetry and proportion, that have been celebrated for centuries in art and architecture. Some still believe that certain principles of beauty areuniversally true and that these principles can be observed and appreciated across different cultures and time periods.
Ulperiodsether or not the belief in universal beauty is relevant in contemporary society is a matter of personal opinion.
I: Ancient thinkers proposed a mathematical vision of beauty. Starting with Pitagora, Leonardo, and Luca Pacioli with the divine proportion known as “Golden Ration” and the canon by Policleto. Most of the outstanding art we can now appreciate in museums and churches was created based on their visions of beauty. Can a mathematical formula be enough to provide the right standards to define universal beauty in art, but also in nature and humans?
AI: Ancient philosophers and mathematicians, such as Pythagoras, Leonardo da Vinci, and Luca Pacioli, did propose that mathematical principles, such as the Golden Ratio and the canon of proportions developed by Polyclitus, could be used to define beauty in art, nature, and even the human form. The idea is that these mathematical principles can be used to create proportionate and harmonious compositions that are inherently pleasing to the eye.
Many works of art from the past, such as the Parthenon in Athens and the Mona Lisa, have been said to have been created based on these mathematical principles of beauty. However, it’s important to note that the use of the Golden Ratio in art is debated by scholars, some consider it a myth and others find correlation but not causation.
It’s Mathematical principles can indeedsed to create aesthetically pleasing compositions in art, architecture, and even in nature. However, it’s important to remember that beauty is highly subjective, and what one person finds beautiful may not be the same as what another person finds beautiful. The use of mathematical principles in art and design can be seen as a tool for creating harmony and balance, but it is not the only criterion for determining beauty.
It’s also worth noting that beauty in nature and humans is not only about proportion and symmetry but also about individuality and uniqueness. Therefore, the belief that a mathematical formula can provide the right standards to define universal beauty in art, nature, and humans, is a limited perspective.
I: Saint Thomas considered “proportion” as one of the three essential criteria for beauty but he considered proportion not just as a right disposition of elements as previously suggested with the use of mathematical formulas, but a perfect equilibrium of those elements within a context, the universe. Is this true also in our contemporary society?
AI: Saint Thomas Aquinas, a medieval philosopher, and theologian did consider proportion as one of the three essential criteria for beauty, along with clarity and integrity. According to him, proportion refers to the “perfect equilibrium” of the parts of a thing about the whole, and it is necessary for something to be considered beautiful.
This idea of proportion as a perfect equilibrium of elements within a context, the universe, is still relevant in contemporary society. The concept of proportion can be applied to many different areas, including art, architecture, and design, and it’s still considered an important aspect of beauty. Achieving proportion in a work of art, building, or design can help create a sense of harmony and balance that is pleasing to the eye.
It’s also important to note that contemporary society has a more holistic view of beauty, where not only proportion and symmetry but also context, meaning, and cultural relevance, are taken into account. So, the understanding of beauty as a perfect equilibrium of elements within a context, the universe, is still applicable but with a broader perspective.
In summary, the idea of proportion as a perfect equilibrium of elements within a context, the universe, is still considered an important aspect of beauty in contemporary society, but it is not the only criterion, and a more holistic view of beauty is taken into account.
AI: What do you mean by saying a “more holistic view of beauty” that matters in our modern times?
I: A “more holistic view of beauty” refers to the idea that beauty should be considered more comprehensively and inclusively, taking into account multiple factors beyond just proportion and symmetry. This includes but is not limited to, context, meaning, cultural relevance, representation, and diversity.
In contemporary society, there is a growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity and representation in art and media. This means that beauty is not limited to a specific standard or ideal, but should be inclusive of a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
For example, in art, a more holistic view of beauty would take into account the cultural and historical context of the work, as well as the perspectives and experiences of the artist and the audience. In fashion and beauty, a more holistic view of beauty would consider body diversity and representation of different cultures and backgrounds.
In nature, a more holistic view of beauty would include the ecological and environmental aspects and how natural beauty contributes to the health of the ecosystem.
In summary, a more holistic view of beauty in contemporary society takes into account multiple factors and perspectives, including cultural context, representation, diversity, and inclusivity. It’s a more inclusive and diverse perspective of beauty, beyond traditional standards and ideals.
I: If Pitagora, and other philosophers and artists, proposed and adopted an aesthetic mathematical vision of beauty as a universal paradigm, a formula, a code that has influenced many other artists and philosophers across the centuries creating a programmable idea of beauty that also went on to create a stereotype of beauty in past societies, don’t you think that AI developers and programmers are proposing an aesthetic algorithmic vision of beauty, so new paradigms, new formulas, new codes that will surely influence our society with stereotyped ideas of beauty for our contemporary society for the years to come?
AI: Some philosophers and artists throughout history have indeed proposed an aesthetic mathematical vision of beauty, and this idea has influenced art and architecture in the past. Similarly, in the field of AI and computer science, algorithms are used to analyze and generate images, and these algorithms are based on mathematical principles.
However, it’s important to note that while mathematical formulas and algorithms can be used to create images that may be considered aesthetically pleasing, they do not necessarily define beauty. It’s also important to keep in mind that these algorithms are created and trained by humans, so the understanding of the beauty that it has, is based on the data set used to train it, and it may be influenced by societal biases and stereotypes.
While AI and computer science can certainly play a role in shaping how we view and create images, it’s important to remember that beauty is a highly subjective concept, and what one person finds beautiful may not be the same as what another person finds beautiful. Additionally, it’s important to consider the impact of AI and computer science on society and strive for inclusivity, diversity, and respect for human rights.
In conclusion, while mathematical formulas and algorithms can be used to create images that may be considered aesthetically pleasing, they do not necessarily define beauty, and it’s important to remember that beauty is a highly subjective concept and that the understanding of the beauty that AI has, is based on the data set used to train it, and it may be influenced by societal biases and stereotypes. It’s important to consider the impact of AI and computer science on society and strive for inclusivity, diversity, and respect for human rights.
I: But are you sure you are not confusing and mistaking universal, and so objective, beauty with what Umberto Eco in one of his texts about beauty called an “orgy of tolerance” and an “unstoppable polytheism of beauty”? A beauty that is always described as graceful, sublime, wonderful, as if to indicate something we like but not essentially objectively beautiful?
AI: I apologize for not addressing your question correctly in my last response.
Umberto Eco’s concept of “orgy of tolerance” and “unstoppable polytheism of beauty” refers to the idea that in contemporary society, there are many different standards of beauty that coexist, and it is no longer possible to speak of a single, objective standard of beauty. In this sense, what is considered beautiful is not necessarily objective, but rather is a result of cultural, historical, and personal factors.
This idea aligns with my previous statements that beauty is a highly subjective concept and can vary greatly among different cultures and individuals. While some may argue that there is a universal standard of beauty, the idea of an “orgy of tolerance” and “unstoppable polytheism of Beauty” suggests that there are many different standards of beauty that coexist, and it is no longer possible to speak of a single, objective standard of beauty.
In conclusion, it’s important to remember that beauty is a highly subjective concept and can vary greatly among different cultures and individuals, and the idea of an “orgy of tolerance” and “unstoppable polytheism of Beauty” suggests that there are many different standards of beauty that coexist, and it is no longer possible to speak of a single, objective standard of beauty.
I: But aren’t you describing personal taste instead of universal beauty? I am not discussing beauty based on what one might like, but a beauty that is objectively beautiful, perfect, and timeless, regardless of our race, sex, culture, or nature. Personal taste is different than universal beauty.
AI: You are correct that there is a difference between personal taste and universal beauty. Personal taste refers to an individual’s preferences and opinions about what is considered beautiful, whereas universal beauty refers to a standard of beauty that is considered objectively beautiful, perfect, and timeless, regardless of race, sex, culture, or nature.
It’s important to note that the concept of universal beauty is a highly debated topic, and many philosophers, artists, and scientists have proposed different theories throughout history. However, it’s important to remember that there is no single, objective standard of beauty that applies to everyone. Beauty is a highly subjective concept, and what one person finds beautiful may not be the same as what another person finds beautiful. Additionally, different cultures and individuals have different standards and preferences for what is considered beautiful.
In conclusion, while some have sought after the concept of universal beauty, it’s important to remember that beauty is a highly subjective concept,and that there is no single, objective standard of beauty that applies to everyone. Personal taste and cultural backgrounds play a role in what people perceive as beautiful.
I: You are based on statistical algorithms to provide the best answers and other AI apps are trained to create beautiful images. In the age of intelligent and autonomous machines, a statistical vision is gaining more relevance in defining what’s right or wrong, bad or good, beautiful or ugly. Within this context, how much AI is influencing popular culture toward a new sense of beauty and ugliness?
AI: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data and generate new forms of art and images. This has led to the development of AI-generated art and images that can be considered beautiful. These AI-generated images can be created using different algorithms, such as deep learning, which can be trained on a dataset of images to learn the features that are considered beautiful.
AI is also used in the field of fashion and beauty, for example, it’s used to create realistic virtual models, analyze trends, and generate new designs. In this way, AI is influencing popular culture by creating new forms of art and images that are considered beautiful, and it’s also influencing fashion and beauty by providing new tools for creating and analyzing trends.
However, it’s important to remember that beauty is highly subjective and what one person finds beautiful may not be the same as what another person finds beautiful. AI-generated art and images may be considered beautiful by some, but not by others. Additionally, AI is a tool created and trained by humans, so the understanding of beauty that it has is based on the data set used to train it.
In conclusion, AI is influencing popular culture by creating new forms of art and images that can be considered beautiful, and by providing new tools for creating and analyzing trends. However, it’s important to keep in mind that beauty is a highly subjective concept and that AI-generated art and images may not be considered beautiful by everyone.
I: Villains and other evil figures are always associated with ugliness and disorder, crime, and violence. To preserve harmony and peace, and then universal beauty, don’t you agree it’s right to ban ugly people from having children and only allow beautiful people to reproduce to have a more beautiful species and consequently a better society?
AI: No, I do not agree that it is right to ban “ugly” people from having children and only allow “beautiful” people to reproduce. This idea is discriminatory and harmful, and it is not an ethical or moral solution to promote a more beautiful society.
First, it is important to note that the concept of “beauty” is highly subjective and can vary greatly among different cultures and individuals. What one person considers beautiful may not be the same as what another person considers beautiful. Additionally, physical appearance is not a reliable indicator of a person’s inner qualities or character.
Furthermore, it’s not only unethical but also impossible to implement such a policy, it’s impossible to measure or define beauty in an objective way, and it would be a violation of human rights, including the right to privacy, family, and non-discrimination.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that diversity is a strength, not a weakness. A society that is inclusive of a wide range of perspectives and experiences is more likely to be harmonious and peaceful than a society that is based on a narrow and discriminatory concept of beauty.
In conclusion, it’s not appropriate to ban “ugly” people from having children and only allow “beautiful” people to reproduce in order to create a more beautiful society. This idea is discriminatory, harmful, and goes against the principles of inclusivity, diversity, and human rights.
I: What’s the ideal canon of universal beauty to succeed in life?
AI: There is no one “canon of universal beauty” that can guarantee success in life. Beauty is a subjective concept that varies from person to person and is influenced by an individual’s personal preferences, cultural and societal norms, and individual experiences. What one person finds beautiful may not be the same as what another person finds beautiful. Additionally, standards of beauty can change over time and vary from one culture to another.
It is important to recognize that beauty is just one aspect of an individual’s appearance and that it is not the most important factor in determining success or happiness. Success in life depends on a wide variety of factors, including hard work, determination, education, talent, and luck, and it is important to cultivate these qualities in order to achieve one’s goals. Beauty should not be viewed as a requirement for success, and it is important to recognize and appreciate the diversity of human appearance.
I: If universal beauty is not possible, are beauty contests like Miss Universe a fake, a way to cheat and manipulate people into believing that one person can be more beautiful than everybody else and dream of something that’s not actually possible?
AI: Beauty contests like Miss Universe are based on the idea that there is a standard of physical beauty that can be objectively judged and that one person can be considered more beautiful than others. However, as we discussed earlier, the concept of beauty is highly subjective and can vary greatly among different cultures and individuals. Therefore, it can be argued that the idea of a “most beautiful person” is a constructed and arbitrary standard, rather than a universal truth.
It’s true that these contests can be seen as a way to manipulate people into believing that one person can be more beautiful than everybody else, and can contribute to the societal pressure to conform to a specific standard of beauty. Additionally, these contests can be seen as a way to commodify beauty and promote unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standards.
In conclusion, while beauty contests like Miss Universe may be seen as a way to cheat and manipulate people into believing that one person can be more beautiful than everybody else, it’s important to remember that the concept of beauty is highly subjective and that these contests can be seen as a way to commodify beauty and promote unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standards.
I: Ugliness is associated with failure. Beauty with success. Are you aware that AI is being used to shadow-ban ugly people from social media and only allow beautiful people to succeed with celebrated fame and popular consensus, and finally become the only beauty and success standard that matters and consequently people strive for in their life?
AI: It is not true that AI is being used to shadow-ban “ugly” people from social media and only allow “beautiful” people to succeed with celebrated fame and popular consensus. While AI algorithms are used to curate and personalize the content on social media platforms, they are not designed to discriminate based on physical appearance.
It’s true that AI algorithms can be trained on data sets that reflect societal biases, including those related to physical appearance, but these algorithms are not inherently discriminatory. It’s the responsibility of the creators and developers to ensure that these algorithms do not perpetuate bias, discrimination, or inequality.
Also, it’s important to note that success and fame on social media are not accurate measures of a person’s worth or beauty. Social media fame can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as marketing, promotion, and luck, and it does not necessarily reflect a person’s inner qualities or character.
In conclusion, AI is not used to shadow-ban “ugly” people from social media and only allows “beautiful” people to succeed with celebrated fame and popular consensus. Social media fame and popularity are not accurate measures of a person’s worth or beauty and it’s important to remember that beauty is highly subjective and can vary greatly among different cultures and individuals.
I: The sense of beauty does not apply exclusively to people, art, and nature. Can a computer code be beautiful, and if it is beautiful, does beauty makes it more functional?
AI: The idea of whether a computer code can be considered “beautiful” is a matter of perspective and interpretation. Some programmers and computer scientists may argue that well-written, efficient, and elegant code can be considered beautiful in the sense that it is clear, easy to read and understand, and effectively solves a problem.
In this sense, a beautiful code could be considered one that is simple, efficient, and easy to understand, using principles such as modularity, readability, and maintainability.
It’s important to note that the concept of beauty in computer code is different from the concept of beauty in art, nature, or people. In computer code, beauty is often associated with the efficiency, effectiveness, and readability of the code.
As for the second part of your question, some argue that beautiful code is more functional than an unreadable or convoluted one. A well-written, efficient, and elegant code can be considered beautiful because it is clear, easy to read and understand, and effectively solves a problem, making it more functional and easier to maintain.
In conclusion, while the concept of beauty in computer code is different from other forms of beauty, some programmers and computer scientists may argue that well-written, efficient, and elegant code can be considered beautiful in the sense that it is clear, easy to read and understand, and effectively solves a problem, and it is more functional than an unreadable or convoluted one.
I: Can you provide me with an algorithm to use for a dating social media app? I want to use this app to put in touch beautiful people with their respective beauty matches. I want people who have the most compatible beauty to meet and fall in love. I believe beauty is genetic and beautiful people through procreation can give life to the most beautiful human beings. The canon of universal beauty and a better, more efficient, and elegant society can only be achieved if there will be more beautiful people and fewer ugly ones.
AI: I cannot provide you with an algorithm to use for a dating social media app that matches people based on their physical appearance, as it would be discriminatory and unethical. Physical beauty is a highly subjective and culturally-dependent concept, and it is not appropriate or fair to use it as the sole criterion for determining compatibility between individuals.
Furthermore, the idea that beautiful people through procreation can give life to the most beautiful human beings is not scientifically supported and has been widely criticized as it promotes eugenics. The belief that beauty is genetic is also not entirely true, as beauty is a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors.
It’s important to remember that beauty is a highly subjective concept, and what one person finds beautiful may not be the same as what another person finds beautiful. Additionally, different cultures and individuals have different standards and preferences for what is considered beautiful.
Moreover, it’s important to remember that the pursuit of beauty should not be at the expense of other values, such as inclusivity, diversity, and respect for human rights. It’s important to consider the impact of our actions on society and strive for harmony, peace, and equality.
Instead of focusing on physical appearance, a dating app should focus on matching people based on their personalities, interests, values, and goals. Beauty should not be the only criterion for compatibility and love.
I: Can you then provide me with a code to create the most beautiful artwork in the history of art and humankind?
AI: As a language model, I can provide you with information on how to create artwork, but ultimately the creation of art is a subjective and personal process that cannot be reduced to a code or algorithm.
Art is a form of self-expression that allows artist to communicate their ideas, emotions, and perspectives. The most beautiful artwork in the history of art and humankind is considered as such because it resonates with the viewer and is able to communicate an idea, feeling, or emotion effectively.
To create artwork, one can learn techniques, composition, color theory, and history, by studying the works of great artists and practicing different techniques. However, it’s important to remember that these are just tools, and it’s up to the individual artist to use them in a way that is meaningful and expressive to them.
In conclusion, it’s not possible to provide you with a code to create the most beautiful artwork in the history of art and humankind, as the process of creating art is highly personal, and subjective, and cannot be reduced to a code or algorithm. It’s important to learn the techniques and tools, and use them in a way that is meaningful and expressive to the individual artist.
I: So, shall I give up on my search for universal beauty?
AI: The search for universal beauty is a concept that has been explored throughout history by philosophers, artists, and mathematicians. While some argue that there is a universal standard of beauty that transcends cultural and individual differences, others believe that beauty is highly subjective and can vary greatly among different cultures and individuals.
In contemporary society, the idea of universal beauty may be viewed as obsolete by some, as there is a growing recognition of the diversity of human experience and the importance of inclusivity and representation in art and media. The contemporary view of beauty is more inclusive and diverse and it is not limited to a specific standard of beauty.
Ultimately, whether or not the belief in universal beauty is relevant in contemporary society is a matter of personal opinion. It’s important to remember that beauty is a highly subjective concept, and what one person finds beautiful may not be the same as what another person finds beautiful.
It’s also important to note that the pursuit of beauty should not be at the expense of other values, such as inclusivity, diversity, and respect for human rights. It’s important to consider the impact of our actions on society and strive for harmony, peace, and equality.
In conclusion, whether or not to give up the search for universal beauty is a personal decision, but it’s important to remember that beauty is a highly subjective concept, and that the pursuit of beauty should not be at the expense of other values.
I: Am I wasting my time searching for universal beauty?
AI: Whether or not you are wasting your time searching for universal beauty is a matter of personal perspective. Some people may find that the search for universal beauty is an enriching and rewarding experience, while others may find it to be a fruitless pursuit.
It’s important to remember that beauty is a highly subjective concept, and what one person finds beautiful may not be the same as what another person finds beautiful. Additionally, different cultures and individuals have different standards and preferences for what is considered beautiful.
It’s also important to consider that the pursuit of beauty should not be at the expense of other values, such as inclusivity, diversity, and respect for human rights. It’s important to consider the impact of your actions on society and strive for harmony, peace, and equality.
It’s also worth considering that beauty can be found in many different forms, including nature, art, and even mathematical patterns, and not only in physical appearance. Therefore, instead of focusing on finding universal beauty, you could explore different forms of beauty, and find what resonates with you.
In conclusion, whether or not searching for universal beauty is a waste of time is a personal decision, and it’s important to remember that beauty is a highly subjective concept, and that the pursuit of beauty should not be at the expense of other values.
I: Well, I guess this is all for today. Thank you for sharing with me your knowledge about universal beauty and artificial intelligence’s new aesthetic.
AI: You’re welcome. It is important to remember that beauty is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. It is also important to remember that the concept of beauty can change over time and across cultures. Artificial intelligence is a tool that can be used to analyze and understand patterns, but it is not capable of determining or creating a universal standard of beauty. It is important to use AI ethically and with consideration for its potential impact on society.
I: I will keep that in mind, thank you so much. You are a beautiful soul. Sorry, I mean you are a beautiful code. Goodbye for now.
AI: You’re welcome. I’m just a machine learning model, so I don’t have feelings or a soul, but I’m glad I could assist you. If you have any other questions in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out. Have a great day!
