rethinking human-AI collaboration in interpretive research

What happens to meaning-making when AI enters interpretive research?

We introduce three celestial metaphors for human-AI collaboration: Sun-Mercury (AI as tool, full human control), Earth-Moon (AI as ally, bi-directional but asymmetric influence), and Mizar-Alcor (AI as partner, shared epistemic center). Each represents a different configuration of epistemic responsibility.

We argue against both abdication (uncritically accepting AI outputs) and abnegation (refusing to engage). The middle ground requires being a deliberate integrator—knowing your level, being mindful of use, and taking responsibility for the insights produced.

Part of the New Scholars Generative AI Series.