If robots R-US, who am I, Online 'Christian' responses to artificial intelligence

Author(s)
Tamatea, Laurence Martin
Publication Date
2008
Abstract
In this paper, I present responses to GRIN technologies drawn from Christian posts on the Internet, to answer the following research questions: 1. Which approach to imago Dei informs the online Christian response to artificial intelligence and artificial life (AI/AL)? and 2. To what extent does the preference for a particular approach emerge from a desire to construct the Self? Drawing upon Herzfeld (2002) discussion of AI and theological approaches to understanding the meaning of imago Dei, or humankind made in the image of God, it is shown that the Christian response to AI and AL is elaborated mostly through the functionalist and substantive approaches. It also largely constructs the GRIN future as a Hell scenario. With reference to Bhabha's postcolonial model of ambivalence, it is argued that this response is motivated by a desire to regain control over the discursive construction of the Self, which for some, is challenged by AI and AL.
Citation
Culture and Religion, 9(2), p. 141-160
ISSN
1475-5629
1475-5610
Link
Language
en
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Title
If robots R-US, who am I, Online 'Christian' responses to artificial intelligence
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

Files:

NameSizeformatDescriptionLink