When clouds become rocks, reasoning begins…Why art is needed in the AI era

A Korean author reflects on the concept of "sa-yu" or contemplation, which philosopher Lee Jung-woo described as something he learned from his mentor. The author distinguishes sa-yu from mere thinking or calculation, suggesting it's a sudden, new idea that creates a new neural pathway. This idea is similar to philosopher Jean-François Lyotard's definition of sa-yu as the ability to accept and approach new events.

The author cites an exhibition by artist Jang Yu-jeong at the Kim Jong-young Museum of Art, which showcased works that challenged the viewer's perceptions of nature. By disrupting familiar neural pathways, the exhibition encouraged sa-yu, or contemplation. The author suggests that this type of contemplation is a uniquely human ability that may be lost to artificial intelligence, and that humans may need to become more artistic to differentiate themselves.