#143 That Hideous Strength: Is technology dangerous?
Feb 5, 2024
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Alister McGrath discusses the intersection of God, science, and technology in C.S. Lewis' 'That Hideous Strength'. They explore topics such as the dangers of technology, the challenges faced by religion, the flaws in a purely scientistic approach, and the concerns surrounding artificial intelligence.
C.S. Lewis warns against technology turning into a technocracy that enslaves humanity.
Lewis presents a united front against religion, merging sociological and scientific critiques as a damaging force, not just for religion but for the world.
Deep dives
The Conflict Between Science and Spirituality in Lewis's Space Trilogy
In this podcast episode, the tension between science and spirituality in C.S. Lewis's space trilogy is explored. The podcast suggests that Lewis addresses the perceived conflict between God and science by highlighting the dangers of science becoming a false god and the consequences of attempting to unlock forces beyond our control. Specifically, Lewis is portrayed as cautioning against technology evolving into a technocracy that enslaves humanity. The episode also discusses the relevance of Lewis's ideas in the context of artificial intelligence, touching on the potential risks of AI becoming a master rather than a tool.
The United Front Against Religion in Lewis's Novels
The podcast delves into the depiction of a societal elite group opposing Christianity in Lewis's novels. It highlights that Lewis presents a united front against religion, merging sociological and scientific critiques as a damaging force, not just for religion but for the world. The episode further suggests that even in secular societies, there is an awareness that science alone cannot answer all questions and that spirituality is a human need beyond scientific explanations.
The Dystopian Consequences of Unrestrained Science in Lewis's Vision
The podcast delves into Lewis's portrayal of the dystopian consequences of unchecked scientific progress. It discusses how Lewis raises concerns about technology becoming a technocracy, ruling over humanity and leading to the abolition of organic life. The episode addresses the potential impacts of scientific reengineering on human identity and the existential questions raised by the radical reshaping of the natural world. Additionally, the podcast notes that Lewis's cautionary themes are still relevant in contemporary discussions around artificial intelligence and the potential loss of control over its development.
Alister McGrath explores how CS Lewis addresses the perceived conflict between God and science in That Hideous Strength. What insights can Lewis give about pertinent issues such as the atomic age, eugenics and Artificial Intelligence? When does technology becomes technocracy and why was Tolkien so anti tech? What are some of the ways religion is being challenged and how does Lewis expose these critiques?
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