The Ethical Dilemmas of AI-generated Art and Contemporary Reflections on Art Ontology

Journal: Arts Studies and Criticism DOI: 10.32629/asc.v6i6.4754

Luyao Wang1, Zhuoyang Wu2

1. College of Humanities, Donghua University,‌ Shanghai 200051, China
2. School of Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor Penang 10200, Malaysia

Abstract

The implementation of generative AI tools has not only reshaped the contemporary art ecosystem through AI-generated artworks, but also triggered ethical dilemmas such as the erosion of subjectivity, copyright ambiguities, and aesthetic alienation. These challenges have compelled a paradigm shift in traditional art ontology. This study examines the reconstruction of art ontology in human-machine collaborative contexts, using ethical dilemmas as a starting point and combining commercial applications with avant-garde practice cases. It reveals that traditional creator identity definitions and copyright frameworks struggle to adapt to new creative models, while technological monopolies exacerbate aesthetic homogenization and fairness crises. Art ontology must transition from anthropocentric perspectives to a "human-machine-data" collaborative system framework, with value evaluation standards incorporating both technological innovation and cultural compatibility. Future efforts should focus on establishing interdisciplinary dynamic ethical norms, advancing copyright law reforms and tiered rights confirmation mechanisms, while balancing technological iteration with artistic integrity through humanistic values.

Keywords

AI-generated art, ethical dilemmas, art ontology, human-machine collaboration, copyright governance

References

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Copyright © 2026 Luyao Wang, Zhuoyang Wu

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