Expert on Jewish and Islamic metaphysics, Lenn E. Goodman, discusses the philosophical heritage of AI rooted in alchemy. They explore transhumanism, the loss of human identity, and the unity of truth. They also discuss uniqueness vs artificial unity and the ancient roots of transhumanist thinking through the creation of artificial beings and legendary creatures.
Transhumanism raises questions about the uniqueness and value of the individual, while critics argue for embracing individuality and self-awareness over amalgamation.
Transhumanists overlook the limitations and lack of genuine creativity in programmed machines, ignoring the importance of individuality and self-consciousness.
Deep dives
Transhumanism and the Desire for Immortality
Transhumanism is the belief that humans can transcend their biological limitations and achieve immortality through the use of advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence. However, this desire for immortality through technology raises important questions about the uniqueness and value of the individual. While transhumanists argue that the mind is software and can be sustained after the body's demise, critics highlight the importance of embodied existence and self-awareness in human identity. They argue that true fulfillment and creativity come from embracing individuality and going beyond the given, rather than seeking amalgamation or erasure of differences.
Reductionism and the Role of Artificial Intelligence
The reductionist view that humans are merely programs and the body is just hardware underlies the transhumanist perspective. They believe that artificial intelligence can mimic human creative abilities, but fail to acknowledge the limitations of programmed machines. While machines can execute algorithms and imitate styles, they lack the uniqueness, autonomy, and capacity for genuine creativity that human beings possess. The reductionist approach ignores the value of individuality and the importance of experience and self-consciousness in shaping personal identity.
Historical Precedents: Alchemy and Artificial Beings
The desire to create superhuman intelligence is not a new phenomenon but has deep historical roots in alchemy and mythologies surrounding artificial beings. In alchemy, the goal was not merely to transform substances like base metals into gold, but to create a living being. Legends of golems and homunculi reflect the belief in imbuing inanimate objects with spirits or intelligences. These artificial beings were said to possess superhuman powers but also exhibited deficits or limitations. The comparison between these historical ideas and the modern aspirations of transhumanism highlights the ambivalence and dangers associated with the pursuit of creating artificial intelligence.
Lenn E. Goodman, an expert on Jewish and Islamic metaphysics, joins Esme Partridge to discuss the philosophical heritage of AI (artificial intelligence)—which he locates in the medieval and renaissance study of alchemy, which ultimately sought to create man from matter—and the implications of our rapid embrace of AI.
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