Why we should reject to reject the use of generative Artificial Intelligence in qualitative analysis: a response to Jowsey, Braun, Clarke, Lupton, and Fine (2025)

This position paper argues against the categorical rejection of generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI) in qualitative analysis, as proposed by Jowsey et al. in their open-letter published in Qualitative Inquiry. While their concerns are framed as methodological, the authors’ position largely rest on philosophical assumptions that risk becoming dogma. In this short response I contend that prohibiting genAI on metaphysical grounds negatively impacts debate and innovation in qualitative analysis.