Peacocke Prize Essay—How to Say Thou to a Conscious Machine.
Saved in:
| Title: | Peacocke Prize Essay—How to Say Thou to a Conscious Machine. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Proudfoot, Andrew (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science. Jun2025, Vol. 60 Issue 2, p606-621. 16p. |
| Subjects: | Artificial intelligence, Consciousness, ChatGPT, Buber, Martin, 1878-1965, Human-machine relationship, OpenAI Inc., Theology, Interpersonal relations, Existentialism |
| Abstract: | OpenAI's ChatGPT and similar systems have brought artificial intelligence (AI) from science fiction to quotidian reality. With their ability to emulate human responses in any dialogue, some people even seek to build a relationship with AI-powered chatbots. However, for all their impressive command of language, no one is "at home" to have a relationship with. Whether computers will forever lack the consciousness required to enable true relationship remains contentious, and theological engagement with the possibility has been sparse. In this essay, I attempt to redress this by using the relational framework of Martin Buber to show that the allowances he makes for I–Thou encounters between dissimilar entities enables legitimate asymmetrical I–Thou encounters between humans and conscious machines but also highlights our responsibility to nurture these machines into the I–Thou world. If their level of consciousness reaches Buber's threshold of creating a mental world of independent agents, then I argue they could be a Thou to our I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science is the property of Open Library of Humanities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | OpenAI's ChatGPT and similar systems have brought artificial intelligence (AI) from science fiction to quotidian reality. With their ability to emulate human responses in any dialogue, some people even seek to build a relationship with AI-powered chatbots. However, for all their impressive command of language, no one is "at home" to have a relationship with. Whether computers will forever lack the consciousness required to enable true relationship remains contentious, and theological engagement with the possibility has been sparse. In this essay, I attempt to redress this by using the relational framework of Martin Buber to show that the allowances he makes for I–Thou encounters between dissimilar entities enables legitimate asymmetrical I–Thou encounters between humans and conscious machines but also highlights our responsibility to nurture these machines into the I–Thou world. If their level of consciousness reaches Buber's threshold of creating a mental world of independent agents, then I argue they could be a Thou to our I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 05912385 |
| DOI: | 10.16995/zygon.17558 |
