I don't know how anyone who's written code could even say this.
APIs have comments, they are expressive, there is considerable choice in design and they are a 'list of names' the same as the list of names attached to variables.
"The decision to have a function called `sqrt` and put it in a module called `math` is not creative, and it is definitely not artistic."
Yes, it absolutely is, in the sense that literally any arbitrary sentence or gibberish that I write is creative and copyrightable.
I can copyright: "Blahdy Blady Blady Blah" right now.
API design is as creative as any other part of the code.
The question is an API a significantly creative work, vs the implementation.
Historically - because the entire modern world depends on it - APIs were not considered copyrightable, largely because the creativity is embodied by the implementation.
You clearly disagree, I am curious if you believe being able to have competing software was detrimental - for example say MS claimed copyright over the XMLHttpRequest API? Or google over search engine query API, etc
Letters are part of a novel, do you think that authors have a copyright to the letters that they use?
Oracle is trying to claim that they own the idea of a toolbox with a tool called a "screwdriver", a tool called a "hammer", and a tool called "wire cutters", and nobody is allowed to make their own toolbox using the same list of names of tools.