This paper argues that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) should be understood as machines that make us think, profound cognitive mediators that are reshaping our mental processes. The Author develops this thesis in three progressively focused parts. First, drawing on philosophical anthropology, post-phenomenology, and philosophy of mind, the Author proposes a foundational understanding of human-technology relations, emphasizing human nature as inherently technological and technologies as active mediators of both bodily and mental capacities. Second, he applies this framework to GenAI systems, analyzing their role in externalizing and transforming mental operations, and comparing them with historical cognitive artifacts, such as alphabetical writing, to highlight their unique impact. Finally, through the detailed case study of “wrAIting”— philosophical writing with GenAI—he discusses various forms of cognitive outsourcing (supplement, complement, enhancement, delegation) and the emergence of critical new metacognitive tasks (prompt design, epistemic supervision, stylistic awareness), demonstrating how GenAI compels us to reflect anew on our own thinking.
Scrivere/pensare con ChatGPT. L’intelligenza artificiale generativa come tecnologia della mente
giacomo pezzano
2025-01-01
Abstract
This paper argues that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) should be understood as machines that make us think, profound cognitive mediators that are reshaping our mental processes. The Author develops this thesis in three progressively focused parts. First, drawing on philosophical anthropology, post-phenomenology, and philosophy of mind, the Author proposes a foundational understanding of human-technology relations, emphasizing human nature as inherently technological and technologies as active mediators of both bodily and mental capacities. Second, he applies this framework to GenAI systems, analyzing their role in externalizing and transforming mental operations, and comparing them with historical cognitive artifacts, such as alphabetical writing, to highlight their unique impact. Finally, through the detailed case study of “wrAIting”— philosophical writing with GenAI—he discusses various forms of cognitive outsourcing (supplement, complement, enhancement, delegation) and the emergence of critical new metacognitive tasks (prompt design, epistemic supervision, stylistic awareness), demonstrating how GenAI compels us to reflect anew on our own thinking.
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