#146 That Hideous Strength: How do we resist evil?
Feb 26, 2024
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Exploring the emergence of evil in That Hideous Strength and how we control technologies like AI and nuclear weapons. Alister McGrath shares key takeaways from The Space Trilogy and offers tips for engaging with Lewis' works.
Inaction towards signs of evil can lead to its unchecked growth, emphasizing the dangers of indifference.
Using fiction can effectively explore profound philosophical inquiries, prompting contemplation on critical aspects of human nature.
Deep dives
Revealing Evil in the Ordinary: The Banality of Evil
The podcast delves into the concept that evil can emerge from ordinary individuals who might appear harmless, emphasizing how inaction can allow evil to thrive unchecked. By portraying seemingly unremarkable characters involved in questionable activities, the podcast highlights the dangers of indifference and the importance of not disregarding signs of potential harm.
Utilizing Fiction to Address Deep Questions on Human Nature
The episode acknowledges the effectiveness of using fiction to explore profound philosophical and theological inquiries that may be challenging to tackle solely through academic discourse. It highlights how narratives, like those in C.S. Lewis's works, can embody complex concepts, prompting readers to contemplate critical aspects of human nature and destiny.
Unleashing Uncontrollable Forces: Themes of Human Nature and Technology
The discussion focuses on the unintended consequences of human actions, particularly in the context of advancing technologies and scientific endeavors. Emphasizing how once unleashed, forces like weapons of mass destruction or artificial intelligence can spiral out of control, the episode evokes reflections on societal responsibility and the necessity of considering the ethical implications of technological progress.
In this final episode on The Space Trilogy, Alister McGrath finishes his discussion on That Hideous Strength, looking particularly at how evil emerges and how we stop technology, such as AI and nuclear weapons, getting out of control. Alister also summarises some of his thoughts on the entire trilogy. What are the key takeaways? Does he have any tips for best engaging with these books? Which related Lewis works would Alister recommend? Plus, we hear some of your comments.
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