Artificial Intelligence as a Simulacra of Meaning

Abstract

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been actively integrated into everyday human life. Its popularity continues to grow steadily, and companies increasingly employ AI to optimize and accelerate workflows. Ordinary users leverage large language models (LLMs) and multimodal AI systems to perform a wide range of tasks, including generating texts, images, and videos; planning their daily schedules; and searching for information, among others. The rapid integration of AI into diverse spheres of human activity gives rise to a number of fundamental challenges such as the simulation of meaning, the substitution of human will, and other issues that threaten personal identity and autonomy. An increasing number of cognitive and creative functions – such as text generation, decision-making, and reflection – are being delegated by humans to AI systems. Consequently, it becomes critically important to explicitly identify and articulate the problems emerging from human–AI interaction and to develop ethically and cognitively sound frameworks for such interaction. This article examines current trends and key challenges associated with the integration of AI into everyday life. It introduces the concept of “meaning simulation” – a phenomenon whereby AI models function as simulacra of meaning, creating an illusion of understanding, thought, and meaning. The paper proposes a conceptual framework for productive human–AI collaboration and outlines a positive scenario for its implementation. This article will be of interest to researchers and professionals working in artificial intelligence, philosophy of science and technology, cognitive science, as well as to anyone concerned with contemporary technological trends and their social, ethical, and existential implications.