Defines how AI-assisted tools are used and interpreted across Ocean Liner Curator, and how readers should understand AI-supported material in an evidence-first historical context.
In brief: AI may help organize or compare material, but it does not authenticate objects, establish provenance, assign attribution, determine value, or replace documented evidence. No material is published without human review and source-checking.
Purpose
This policy defines how artificial intelligence–assisted tools are used, interpreted, and limited across Ocean Liner Curator. It exists to ensure that AI-supported research remains consistent with evidence-first historical standards and does not introduce false certainty, speculative attribution, or implied authority.
Role of AI Tools
AI tools used within Ocean Liner Curator are employed as assistive research instruments, not as authoritative sources. Put plainly, AI use on this site is not treated as authorship, evidence, or authority. It is used only as an optional aid for organizing, comparing, and clarifying research material.
Their role is limited to:
- Organizing and summarizing information
- Highlighting patterns and comparative relationships
- Supporting inquiry through synthesis
AI tools do not independently establish authenticity, attribution, provenance, or historical fact.
Relationship to Evidence
All conclusions presented on this site are grounded in documented sources, comparative analysis with known reference objects, and explicit acknowledgment of evidentiary limits.
AI-generated output is always subordinate to documented evidence and human review.
When AI-assisted interpretation conflicts with documented evidence, the documented evidence governs.
Attribution and Authority
AI systems referenced or employed by Ocean Liner Curator do not make final determinations, do not override historical uncertainty, and do not replace curatorial judgment.
Any appearance of certainty must be supported independently by evidence.
Interpretation and Use
Readers should interpret AI-assisted material as contextual guidance, not confirmation, and as exploratory support, not definitive analysis.
Statements produced or informed by AI should be evaluated in the same manner as any other secondary research aid.
Transparency and Constraints
AI use on this site is intentionally constrained by defined subject scope — historic ocean liners and related material culture — explicit methodological boundaries, and a preference for transparency over completeness or confidence.
Limitations are treated as ethical safeguards rather than technical shortcomings.
Disclosure of AI Assistance
Where AI-assisted tools materially shape a summary, comparison, or interpretive framing, that assistance should be understood as part of the research process rather than as an independent source.
AI involvement does not lessen the need for evidence, citation, review, or clear acknowledgment of uncertainty.
Market and Valuation Exclusion
AI tools associated with Ocean Liner Curator do not provide appraisals, do not assess market value, and do not advise on purchasing, selling, or investment.
Historical evaluation and market behavior are treated as distinct activities.
Responsibility and Review
Responsibility for publication, framing, and interpretation rests with the human author or curator.
Readers are encouraged to evaluate AI-assisted material critically and in relation to the cited evidence.
AI-assisted output is reviewed, contextualized, and constrained before publication or recommendation.
Guiding Principle
Artificial intelligence is treated as a tool for clarifying complexity, not resolving uncertainty. Where evidence is incomplete, uncertainty is preserved.