---
title: "The Case for Generative AI in Scholarly Practice"
author: "Berg, C."
date: "2023-04-17"
url: "https://chrisberg.org/2023/04/the-case-for-generative-ai-in-scholarly-practice/"
type: "Working papers"
published_in: "Working paper, SSRN"
doi: "10.2139/ssrn.4407587"
topics: "Artificial intelligence, Education and universities"
---

# The Case for Generative AI in Scholarly Practice

[Available at SSRN](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4407587)

**Abstract:**This paper defends the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in scholarship and argues for its legitimacy as a valuable tool for contemporary research practice. It uses a emergent property rights model of writing to shed light on the evolution of scholarly norms and practices in academic practice. The paper argues that generative AI extends the capital-intensive nature of modern academic writing. The paper discussing three potential uses for AI models in research practice: AI as a mentor, AI as an analytic tool, and AI as a writing tool. The paper considers how the use of generative AI interacts with two critical norms in scholarship: norms around authorship attribution and credits for contributions, and the norm against plagiarism. It concludes that the effective use of generative AI is a legitimate research practice for scholars seeking to experiment with new technologies that might enhance their productivity.