Writing Without a Who: Reclaiming Authorship in the Age of Generative AI

Authors

  • NUR AIMAN ZAINUDIN UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW
  • ZAIDATUL HUSNA JOHARI

Keywords:

authorship, generative AI, poiesis, enframing, writing

Abstract

The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT presents an ontological and ethical disruption to writing in education. As machines increasingly produce human-like texts, the meaning of authorship, originality, and the learner’s presence in their own writing comes into question. This concept paper explores the implications of AI-mediated writing through the dual philosophical lenses of Martin Heidegger and Hannah Arendt. Heidegger’s concept of enframing reveals how AI transforms writing into an efficient, optimized output, severing it from its poietic and disclosive potential. Arendt’s theory of action elaborates the risk of writing devolving into mere labor, stripping students of the opportunity to appear, speak, and act meaningfully in the world. A rehumanised pedagogy is proposed—one that reclaims writing as an act of becoming, relational presence, and political appearance. In this framework, AI is repositioned not as a surrogate author, but as a reflective tool within the learner’s dialogic and developmental space.

Author Biography

  • NUR AIMAN ZAINUDIN, UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

    Dr. Nur Aiman Zainudin is a pioneering educator and researcher whose work bridges the gap between technology, policy, and leadership in education. Holding a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Glasgow, his groundbreaking research on the technological paradigm of school data management within inter-agency contexts has reshaped how educational institutions harness technology for decision-making and governance.

    His doctoral journey was guided by two of the most distinguished scholars in the field—Professor James Conroy and Professor Christopher Chapman. Professor Conroy, a leading academic in the philosophy of education, has held key leadership roles at the University of Glasgow, including Vice-Principal for Internationalisation and Dean of the School of Education. Professor Chapman, a globally recognized authority in educational policy and practice, is the founding director of the Robert Owen Centre for Educational Change and has played a pivotal role in advising the Scottish Government on education reform. Dr. Aiman’s thesis was rigorously examined by Professor Anthony Kelly from the University of Southampton, an expert in educational assessment and policy analysis whose work has influenced global education standards.

    With over 11 years of teaching experience across schools and colleges in Malaysia, Dr. Aiman has specialized in English for communication, English for business communication, and computer science. His classrooms have been vibrant spaces of learning, where students from diverse ethnic backgrounds thrive. His contributions extend beyond teaching; he was instrumental in developing English communication modules for vocational diplomas and played a key role in Malaysia’s accreditation processes for technical education.

    Recognized for his dedication, Dr. Aiman received the Ministry of Education’s Excellent Service Award in 2019 for his outstanding contributions as a teacher and ICT coordinator. During his tenure at SMK Sultan Mansor Shah, he became a Google for Education Certified Trainer, spearheading the development of a comprehensive digital learning management system. At Selandar Industrial Training Institute and RISDA College, he played a pivotal role in curriculum development and led a student team to secure third place in the Malaysia State-Level Story-telling Competition.

    Beyond academia, Dr. Aiman has actively championed educational leadership and community welfare. As President of Komuniti Malaysia Glasgow (2022–2023), he led initiatives to support the welfare and mental health of Malaysian students in Scotland. As Vice Chairperson of Badan Perhubungan Negara United Kingdom and Eire, he played a key role in Vote Malaysia, ensuring overseas student participation in Malaysia’s democratic process. His contributions to the Chartered College of Teaching and leadership role at the European Conference for Educational Research (ECER) 2023 further showcase his commitment to advancing education globally.

    Dr. Aiman’s career stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to educational transformation. His expertise in leadership, digital learning, and policy reform continues to inspire students and educators alike. With a vision for innovative, inclusive, and technology-driven education, Dr. Aiman remains at the forefront of shaping the future of education in Malaysia and beyond.

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Published

2025-07-31

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 01 (2025): Artificial Intelligence: Pedagogical Innovation, Academic Analysis, Innovation in Teaching

Section

Articles