What can 'Frankenstein' teach us about AI?

In 'Building a God', Christopher DiCarlo delves into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) as it approaches and potentially surpasses human intelligence. The book discusses the need for ethical guardrails around powerful AI tools, the importance of critical thinking in navigating the future of technologically advanced societies, and the potential risks and benefits associated with the rapid development of AI. DiCarlo draws on his expertise in philosophy, education, and ethics to provide a comprehensive analysis of the moral landscape of AI development.

Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts. However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it. The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.