Artificial Intelligence and Existential Motivation
Artificial intelligence confronts humanity with a paradox: it simultaneously extends human capability and exposes the fragility of human meaning. Abstract "This paper explores the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and existential motivation , a psychological and philosophical framework concerned with human purpose, authenticity, and self-transcendence. While AI continues to reshape cognitive and social landscapes, it also challenges traditional understandings of what motivates human existence. Through phenomenological and existential analysis, this paper examines how AI systems alter the way humans relate to meaning, creativity, ethics, and their own sense of being. Integrating insights from existential psychology , phenomenology , and technological philosophy , the discussion evaluates whether AI enhances or diminishes existential motivation—whether it helps humans to become more self-aware and purposeful, or whether it alienates them from their own aut...