Artificial Intelligence as Co-Author: Rethinking Authorship and Creativity in Contemporary Literature

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in contemporary literary production, significantly challenging traditional notions of authorship, originality, and creativity. With the increasing use of generative language models in creative writing, AI is no longer limited to auxiliary functions such as editing or proofreading but actively participates in the generation of literary texts. This paper examines the role of AI as a co-author in contemporary literature, focusing on its implications for authorship theory, creative agency, and literary interpretation. Drawing on literary theory, cognitive creativity studies, and ethical discourse, the study argues that authorship in the digital age is a collaborative and hybrid process involving both human and machine intelligence. While AI expands creative possibilities, it also raises ethical, legal, and aesthetic concerns that demand critical attention. The paper concludes by advocating for a reconceptualization of authorship that acknowledges technological collaboration while retaining human accountability and interpretive authority.