What is human-machine co-creativity? Let’s consider it through the lens of cognitive scientist Margaret Boden. Transformational creativity (as opposed to combinational creativity, which merely rearranges existing elements) involves the emergence of entirely new, hybridized and homogenous forms. The difference lies in creating a new epistemological quality rather than a collage of pre-existing parts. This kind of creativity becomes a breakthrough moment, especially when human and machine actions intersect within cultural production.
In other words, it clearly illustrates the innovative and non-canonical approach characteristic of live coding practices — where art meets science. Human-machine co-creativity assumes that the artistic and musical act would not reach its final form if either party acted independently. It's a genuine fusion of art and science, demonstrating their peaceful coexistence as a source of cultural productivity.
It also serves as a critique of purely utilitarian approaches in favor of thought improvisation — perhaps even an attempt to remove irrationality, while paradoxically giving rise to holistic and synthetic modes of thinking. Ultimately, live coding generates an intriguing tension between analytical and intuitive thought, allowing us to grasp the complexity of the creative act.
From my field notes, inspired by Gérard Assayag (Sciences and Technologies of Music and Sound) Ircam/CNRS Lab.
