The day before last I entered my apartment to my roommate watching an informative TV program about artificial intelligence. The show host was seeking to replace himself virtually. And, he was largely successful. Admittedly, his virtual self performed noticeably worse than his real self in some significant areas, but machines could somewhat perform most all of his everyday tasks. He tested his virtual presence as a screen, a virtual bio that a computer generated, a self-driving car, and a virtual chatbot to answer all questions as if it were him. I think most viewers would be left with more than a few significant questions.
(1) How can humans add economic value if computers can process information as well and more cheaply as some humans?
(2) How can we prepare?
(3) Will machines take over the human race?
(4) How soon will self-driving cars be on the market?
As an engineer, I found the show transfixing.
As a follower of Christ, a new set of questions arose:
(A) How does technology influence people for good or ill?
(B) Are there any warnings?
(C) Can technology be used to please the Lord? How? This question is central, because I owe him all. The Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer took on my death sentence and I live in his Spirit's divine life.
(D) Finally, how does our identity change with technology and is there a theological or philosophical basis for this change?
I'm convinced that with God's grace we can gain insight into these questions using biblical truths, wisdom, and cultural analysis. Join me in my next few posts as we reason together about the nature of technology and how machines can–and cannot–replace humans within your lifetime.
-- Daniel
