In a world rapidly evolving with technology, the question of what makes us human remains a profound and contested topic. This biweekly column, 'What Makes Us Human?' by Emi Sakamoto, delves into this very question through the lens of interdisciplinary exploration. The author's conversation with Hideo Mabuchi, a professor of applied physics and ceramicist, offers a unique perspective on this complex issue.
Mabuchi's expertise in both the hard sciences and arts provides a fascinating insight into the intersection of physics and ceramics. He highlights the abstract nature of physics, often shrouded in its own opacity, and how it can be intertwined with the physicality of ceramics. Mabuchi's journey into woodfiring, a process in ceramic art, reveals a deeper understanding of the craft's intricacies. The act of firing ceramics in a wood-burning kiln is not just about the final form but the process itself, which involves a delicate balance of water usage and friction. This friction, when overcome, creates a silky and perfect final product, demonstrating the importance of the process in the art.
The author's struggle with the abstraction of physics is mirrored by Mabuchi's discovery of the applications of electron microscopy in understanding woodfire ceramics. The surface color formation and woodfire are linked to igneous petrology and volcanology, with the aluminosilicate melt resembling lava or magma. The cooling process and oxygen levels in the kiln determine the mineral formation, leading to different colors and surface textures. This mutual shaping between disciplines showcases the unintended yet scrupulously tended applications of each field.
Mabuchi's 'creative cycle' is a framework that involves seeking and making, relating and reflecting, and teaching and writing. This process emphasizes the importance of the creative journey over the final product. Mabuchi's philosophy challenges the notion that thinking is solely algorithmic, advocating for a deeper understanding of the human urge to act. He believes that making is a search for the desired outcome, a process of getting close to the intended feeling.
The author's reflection on the creative process highlights its role in discovering, shaping, and realizing one's voice. Mabuchi's taxonomy of craft, which includes using natural materials, working by hand, and understanding the medium, is a way to find one's voice. This process demands hard work and play, where art is an exercise in appreciating the world's diversity. Mabuchi's perspective on AI suggests a reevaluation of what it means to be human, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and the arts in expressing it.
In the face of AI's advancements, Mabuchi advocates for a re-discovery of humanity. He believes that AI agents lack the embodied understanding that humans possess, and their lack of responsibility to the material, cultural, and natural world sets them apart. Mabuchi's optimism lies in the potential swing back towards the importance of the arts, craft, creativity, and the humanities, where humans can express their curiosity and engage in meaningful creation.
Ultimately, the question of what makes us human remains dynamic and ever-evolving. Mabuchi's perspective encourages a deeper exploration of our curiosity and the creative process, reminding us that the answer lies in the present moment and the ongoing journey of seeking and making.
