The Religious Foundations of Transhumanism w/ Meghan O’Gieblyn
Apr 25, 2024
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Meghan O’Gieblyn discusses parallels between transhumanism and Christian narratives, exploring themes of resurrection and immortality. The podcast delves into the religious roots of transhumanism, contrasting techno-optimism with existential risks posed by AI. It reflects on the shift of new atheism figures to right-wing tech ideologies and critiques faith-based rhetoric in tech circles, questioning the implications of prioritizing future advancements over current societal issues.
Transhumanism draws from religious resurrection narratives despite many adherents being atheists.
AI development lacks clear articulation of goals, emphasizing excessive computing power and environmental impacts.
Viewing the mind as a machine raises philosophical questions on consciousness, information patterns, and dualistic comparisons.
Deep dives
The Faith in AI Rhetoric
The podcast episode highlights how the rhetoric around AI often relies on faith and trust in the capabilities of tech experts without clearly defining the problems being solved. The discussion emphasizes the lack of articulation regarding the goals of AI development. It questions the need for excessive computing power and the consequences of AI tools, such as data centers impacting water and energy usage.
Exploring Transhumanism and Historical Religious Ideals
The episode delves into the concept of transhumanism and its roots in historical religious ideas, particularly Christian narratives that intersect with technological advancements. The conversation with Megan O'Gibblin explores the nuances of transhumanist thought, emphasizing the blend of technological progress with religious motifs such as resurrection and transcendence.
Metaphors of Mind as a Machine
The dialogue highlights the metaphorical concept of the mind as a machine or computer, tracing back to ancient metaphors to modern neural network theories. The discussion challenges the implications of viewing consciousness as informational patterns, addressing the limitations and dualistic nature inherent in comparing the mind to computational systems.
The Impact of New Atheism and Technological Beliefs
The episode touches upon the evolution of new atheism figures like Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, transitioning towards embracing technological narratives and contributing to techno-optimism. It suggests a shift towards embracing rationalism while capitalizing on faith-like technological ideologies, bridging the gap between atheism and futuristic beliefs.
Challenges Posed by Long-Termism and Simulation Hypothesis
The narrative reflects on the challenges posed by long-termism ideologies that prioritize future technological developments over present-day urgencies like climate change and societal injustices. It also examines the simulation hypothesis as a technological creation myth, drawing parallels to religious myths and deconstructing its implications in shaping perceptions of reality and meaning.
Paris Marx is joined by Meghan O’Gieblyn to discuss parallels between transhumanism and Christian narratives of resurrection, despite the fact many transhumanists identify as staunch atheists.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.