Artificial Intelligence and Theology: Looking for a Positive—but Not Uncritical—reception

Abstract

Theology and other human sciences present concerns against artificial intelligence (AI) that are often limited to ethical issues, as they appear as the most pressing problems and challenges derived from these new technologies. However, by reviewing the published literature, the article shows that theologians have ventured into broader areas, with a specific focus on the anthropological consequences of current technological advances. New developments and achievements in AI invite further exploration from a theological perspective, and they offer some opportunities and useful applications for theologians. The article moves from the ethical territory toward the more neutral but highly engaging dialogue between science, technology, and religion, their interactions and mutual enrichment. Within this transdisciplinary area, new insights are gained about the role a more committed theology can play in issues like designing the best approaches between religious faith and intelligent systems to achieve a sustainable and equitable future.

El impacto plural de la Inteligencia Artificial en la teología

“…En un artículo previo recogía una revisión bastante general de lo publicado hasta mediados de 2022 (Oviedo, 2022). En ese estudio se podían identificar tres grandes temas: primero, las cuestiones éticas que emergen de dicho desarrollo; segundo, los temores apocalípticos derivados a menudo de la literatura y cine de ciencia-ficción; y tercero, las cuestiones antropológicas que se asocian, como son la necesidad de repensar el tema de la Imago Dei, y las posibilidades de potenciamiento humano.…”

Anwendung von Künstlicher Intelligenz im Religionsunterricht: Möglichkeiten, Grenzen und Brennpunkte

“…u. a. Foerst, 2004;Wilks, 2019;Anderson, 2020;Brittain, 2020;Cormie, 2020;Jackelén, 2021;Song, 2021;Oviedo, 2022), die in Bezug auf die Praxis des Religionsunterrichts -auch in Kooperation mit anderen Schulfächern, insbesondere Ethik und Philosophie -nicht vernachlässigt werden dürfen (Scheuer & Sturesson, 2019, S. 3-4): Was macht die Idee von KI mit der menschlichen Identität? Darf eine auf dem KI-System basierende Maschine als Ersatz für menschliche Personen verstanden werden?…”