In chess, computers show that what we call 'strategy' is reducible to tactics, ultimately. It only looks creative to us. They are still just glorified cash registers. This should make us feel uncomfortable, whether or not we think computers will ever be good composers of music or artistic painters.

Tyler Cowen’s quote reflects on the limitations of computers in creative fields, using chess as an example to argue that what we perceive as strategy is ultimately just a series of tactical moves. He suggests that, when analyzing a chess game, computers break down what seems like a creative or strategic decision into simple, quantifiable tactics—actions that are based on calculations rather than intuitive or artistic thought. According to Cowen, this reduces the apparent creativity of the game to something that can be replicated mechanically, much like how cash registers process transactions without any true understanding or creativity.

The comparison of computers to glorified cash registers underscores Cowen's view that, despite their ability to process large amounts of data and perform complex calculations, they lack the true creative intuition that humans bring to the table. He argues that the brilliance we see in chess or other forms of art is a result of human creativity, which cannot be fully replicated by machines. This distinction between tactics and strategy reflects Cowen's broader concern about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in domains traditionally dominated by human creativity.

Cowen’s mention of music and artistic painting extends this argument into other creative fields, suggesting that even if computers advance to a point where they can perform tasks like composing music or painting, they would still be operating within a set of predefined rules and algorithms, rather than true artistic expression. His concern is that this mechanization of creative processes might lead us to lose sight of the unique, human aspect of artistic creation.

Tyler Cowen, an economist and public intellectual, is known for his discussions on technology and its impact on society, especially in terms of artificial intelligence and creativity. This quote reflects his skepticism about the true creativity of machines and their ability to replicate human-like thought and innovation. Cowen’s perspective challenges the notion that AI will ever fully replace human creativity, especially in the fields of art and music, by reminding us of the limitations of machines, even in their most advanced forms.