Will a superintelligence be our benevolent creator or its worshiper?
In short: This lecture explores the intersection of theology and technology, examining how religious frameworks apply to artificial intelligence. It investigates whether we should expect AI to mirror human values or if it will become an object of new forms of worship.
Yorick Wilks examines the historical assumption in religious traditions that creations are well-disposed toward their makers, applying this logic to the potential emergence of artificial superintelligence. The lecture contextualizes modern futurist movements, including 'Transhumanism' and its roots in 18th-century rationalism.
The discussion also covers contemporary phenomena, such as US cults that claim readiness to worship a future superintelligence. Wilks draws on his expertise in the computer processing of language, knowledge, and belief to analyze how software agents might develop identifiable personalities.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Artificial Intelligence and Religion - Yorick Wilks
- Also: OII | Online webinar: ‘AI and Religious Beliefs’ with Yorick Wilks
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