Robot Theology: Old Questions through New Media
Cindy R. Friedman · Journal of Ethics and Emerging Technologies · 2022
Robot Theology: Old Questions Through New Media (2022) introduces readers to a variety of issues that surround artificial intelligence (AI) and robots, and analyses these issues through the lens of Christian theology.Smith notes that few Christian and religious scholars are taking part in the discourse that surrounds these topics.The book is, therefore, a solid contribution to the interdisciplinary study of AI and robots.However, more than this, the intention behind the book is also an attempt to join the larger debate of how we can create a better future in an ever-changing world, as it relates to the integration of AI and robots into our daily lives.As Smith notes, "Participation in this discussion is not simply about interdisciplinary study, but about ensuring human and planetary flourishing for our great-grandchildren.The world is in an economic and ethical crisis, and it is our Christian obligation and joy to serve however we can in the days ahead" (pg.4).Although aimed at a Christian audience, human and planetary flourishing is in everyone's interests.Therefore, the book also has wider appeal to those generally interested in ethical issues that arise in relation AI and robots.It is specifically through the lens of a more general philosophical reader, with an interest in robot and AI ethics, that I read Smith's book, and review his discussions and arguments.Smith discusses an array of relevant ethical and metaphysical issues surrounding AI and robots.Topics discussed include questions of personhood and moral consideration, the robot rights debate, friendship and companionship with robots, and race, race theory and the metaphysics of race as it relates to AI and robots.These are topical themes within the field of robot and AI ethics.Robot Theology, therefore, slots itself well into the already existing literature.In Chapter 1, before directly grappling with the abovementioned issues, Smith, from a theological perspective, provides an interesting discussion about the human fascination with creating automata, AI, and robots, and how it relates to the psychological struggle humans have with wanting to create technology that allows us to overcome human limitations and finiteness.I particularly enjoyed this chapter.Here, Smith also importantly clarifies what is meant by "AI" and "robots" which, although common terms, can mean different things depending on who defines them.This lays a good foundation for thinking about issues that arise in relation to AI and robots.Chapter 2 introduces readers to the world of robot ethics.Here, Smith brings to light some ethical issues that he feels particularly require theological attention, and how Christians can contribute to the discussion of these issues.The issues examined include responsibility, privacy, ecology, and encoding morality.He does not go into great detail discussing these issues, since the rest of the book is dedicated to doing so.However, it gives a good overview of existing debates and relevant literature.From Chapter 3 onwards, Smith dedicates singular chapters to a particular metaphysical or ethical issue, namely personhood and moral consideration, the robot rights debate, friendship and companionship with robots, and race and racism, as mentioned above.This allows for more detailed examination of the issues at hand.