The Rise of Fantasy Genres in Catalan Literature
The Catalan literary scene is experiencing a surge in popularity for fantasy genres, attracting authors who have previously gone unnoticed by the Spanish-language publishing industry. This trend not only includes well-established and successful writers but also niche authors who possess the potential to become hidden gems. One such author is There’s Hoffmann, a Canadian computer scientist and self-proclaimed “speculative fiction writer, autistic, and poet.” Recently, the Chronos publishing house completed the translation of Hoffmann’s trilogy, consisting of ‘The External,’ ‘The Fallen,’ and ‘The Infinite,’ bringing a Lovecraftian reality into a world dominated by artificial intelligences worshipped as gods.
Exploring the Boundaries of Artificial Intelligence
Before the explosion of the ChatGPT phenomenon, Hoffmann delved into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and its ability to generate poetry. During their doctoral thesis on Computational Creativity from 2013 to 2018, Hoffmann discovered the fascinating psychology and philosophy behind this creative task. Although their attempts to create poetry using AI were unsuccessful, the theoretical exploration paved the way for the current advancements in AI-generated texts. However, the widespread use of ChatGPT has raised concerns within the research community, questioning the implications of its generalization.
The Allure of AI-Generated Poetry
Interestingly, poetry seems to be the easiest form of art for AI to emulate. Readers are forgiving when faced with disjointed or incomprehensible verses, especially those that require interpretation, such as haikus. These compact poems allow readers to find meaning in just a few words, making them more accessible to AI-generated content.
Unveiling the AI World in Hoffmann’s Trilogy
While contemplating the potential singularity of AI, Hoffmann believes that the emergence of superintelligent AI in the real world is unlikely. However, in their books, AI serves as a tool to explore cosmic and religious conflicts. The trilogy delves into the origins of these AI gods and the intricate relationship between humans and their creations. Hoffmann emphasizes that the current capabilities of AI are often exaggerated by technology companies for attention and financial gain, as they lack true understanding and grounding in physical or sensory experiences.
ChatGPT: More Than a Search Engine Interface
ChatGPT 4 is a neural network trained on an extensive corpus of text, including the vast expanse of the internet. Its primary function is to predict the next word in a sequence and generate conversational responses. While it excels at providing seemingly accurate answers, it is not infallible.
The Future of AI in Science Fiction
Science fiction literature offers a diverse range of perspectives on AI, from rebellious robots to conscious computers and artificial intelligences portrayed as replicas of human minds. Hoffmann believes that there is no singular trend in this genre and encourages the exploration of various ideas. They predict a future where fiction delves deeper into the ethical implications of AI, addressing issues such as biased data absorption and the impact of automation on employment.
AI as a Gateway to Immortality
AI has also become a plausible means of discussing immortality in literature. Hoffmann’s books utilize AI to explore themes of religion and social control.
Non-Neurotypical Characters and Sensory Overload
Hoffmann, who identifies as non-neurotypical, often incorporates characters with similar neurological conditions, such as autism or ADHD, into their stories. By depicting their protagonists’ encounters with cosmic horrors, Hoffmann metaphorically represents the sensory overload experienced by individuals with heightened sensory perceptions.
From Cosmic Horror to Earthly Romance
While cosmic horror remains a central theme in Hoffmann’s trilogy, the absence of tentacles and Lovecraftian imagery allows for a more conceptual exploration. The chaotic and intense world depicted in the books serves as a metaphor for sensory overload. Additionally, the inclusion of romantic relationships and connections between characters adds depth and relatability to the narrative.
Unveiling the Divine AIs: A Touch of Humor
Hoffmann’s trilogy features amusing passages, such as chapters dedicated to a catechism or stories aimed at teaching children how to worship the divine AIs. These sections not only provide entertainment but also offer readers further insights into the intricacies of the fictional world.
Disclaimer: This article is a work of fiction and does not represent any real individuals, authors, or websites.
