Beyond Human and Machine: An Architecture and Methodology Guideline for Centaurian Design

Abstract

The concept of the centaur, symbolizing the fusion of human and machine intelligence, has intrigued visionaries for decades. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have made this concept not only realizable but also actionable. This synergistic partnership between natural and artificial intelligence promises superior outcomes by leveraging the strengths of both entities. Tracing its origins back to early pioneers of human–computer interaction in the 1960s, such as J.C.R. Licklider and Douglas Engelbart, the idea initially manifested in centaur chess but faced challenges as technological advances began to overshadow human contributions. However, the resurgence of generative AI in the late 2010s, exemplified by conversational agents and text-to-image chatbots, has rekindled interest in the profound potential of human–AI collaboration. This article formalizes the centaurian model, detailing properties associated with various centaurian designs, evaluating their feasibility, and proposing a design methodology that integrates human creativity with artificial intelligence. Additionally, it compares this model with other integrative theories, such as the Theory of Extended Mind and Intellectology, providing a comprehensive analysis of its place in the landscape of human–machine interaction.