Navigating the Complex Landscape of Creativity with ChatGPT: How Harold Bloom’s Theory and Austin Kleon’s Philosophy Align with the Use of AI in the Creative Process

ChatGPT, a large language model based on GPT-3.5 architecture, can be seen as a tool that helps creators manage the anxiety of influence in line with the theories of Harold Bloom and Austin Kleon. Bloom’s theory suggests that creators are inevitably influenced by those who came before them, which can lead to anxiety and fear of being derivative. On the other hand, Kleon’s philosophy encourages creators to embrace the influence of others and use it as a springboard for their own work.

Using ChatGPT as a creative tool can help to navigate this complex landscape of creativity. ChatGPT can provide inspiration and generate ideas by drawing on vast amounts of information and knowledge, including the works of previous artists and creators. By interacting with ChatGPT, creators can explore new and unexpected combinations of ideas, which can help to mitigate the anxiety of influence by allowing for new perspectives and approaches.

Furthermore, ChatGPT can be used as a tool for remixing ideas, a central concept in Kleon’s philosophy. By “stealing” ideas from ChatGPT and remixing them, creators can create something new and original while still acknowledging and embracing the influence of others. ChatGPT can also help to expand the creative process by providing suggestions and feedback on works in progress, enabling creators to refine their ideas and produce work that is both meaningful and original.

However, it is important to note that the use of ChatGPT does not necessarily eliminate the anxiety of influence altogether, as Bloom’s theory suggests that this anxiety is an essential and inevitable part of the creative process. Rather, ChatGPT can be seen as a tool that helps creators manage and navigate this anxiety by providing inspiration and generating ideas that are both original and informed by the works of those who came before.

In conclusion, using ChatGPT as a creative tool aligns with the theories of both Harold Bloom and Austin Kleon. It can help to mitigate the anxiety of influence by providing inspiration and generating new and unexpected combinations of ideas, while also allowing for the remixing of ideas and the expansion of the creative process. ChatGPT is not a replacement for the creative process, but rather a tool that can help creators manage and navigate the complex landscape of creativity.

Written by Me — Charlie Lincoln — and ChatGPT