TRANSHUMANISM & IMAGE OF GOD: Today's Technology and the Future of Christian Discipleship PB
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- ISBN 9780830852505
- Author SCHATZER JACOB
- Pub Date 01/01/2019
We're constantly invited to think about the future of technology as a progressive improvement of tools: our gadgets will continue to evolve, but we humans will stay basically the same. In the future, perhaps even alien species and intelligent...
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We're constantly invited to think about the future of technology as a progressive improvement of tools: our gadgets will continue to evolve, but we humans will stay basically the same. In the future, perhaps even alien species and intelligent robots will coexist alongside humans, who will grapple with challenges and emerge as the heroes. But the truth is that radical technological change has the power to radically shape humans as well. We must be well informed and thoughtful about the steps we're already taking toward a transhuman or even posthuman future. Can we find firm footing on a slippery slope? Biblical ethicist Jacob Shatzer guides us into careful consideration of the future of Christian discipleship in a disruptive technological environment. In Transhumanism and the Image of God, Shatzer explains the development and influence of the transhumanist movement, which promotes a 'next stage' in human evolution. Exploring topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, medical technology, and communications tools, he examines how everyday technological changes have already altered and continue to change the way we think, relate, and understand reality. By unpacking the doctrine of the incarnation and its implications for human identity, he helps us better understand the proper place of technology in the life of the disciple and avoid false promises of a posthumanist vision. We cannot think about technology use today without considering who we will become tomorrow.
As reviewed by GLO Europe General Director Stephen McQuoid-
'Transhumanism and the Image of God is a book written by Jacob Shatzer. I first took an interest in the issue of transhumanism when a friend of mine decided to do his doctorate on the ethics of transhumanism. In essence, transhumanism is an intellectual movement which advocates the use of technologies which can enhance the human condition, including contributing to longevity and cognition. However, as Shatzer points out, this is not science fiction as we can already see the initial seeds of this science in everyday reality. The author demonstrates how technological changes has already contributed to human life in a variety of ways and suggests that more can be done in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, medical technology and communication tools. Indeed, everyday objects such as hearing aids, artificial limbs and glasses are basic examples of transhuman enhancements.
As Shatzer introduces us to the subject step by step, he not only gives some examples of the different technologies at our disposal, he also suggests ways in which these may both affect us as people and affect the way in which we view the world. Sometimes it is in small ways, for example when we develop virtual relationships with people we never actually meet (many of us have had this experience on zoom or Microsoft teams), or perhaps larger ways through the augmented reality that artificial limbs may provide. This science need not be sinister as life can be greatly enhanced as our limitation are compensated for by technological applications. Nevertheless, there are dangers and the author asks questions about what is really real in this whole field and also what impact it may have on our identity and spirituality. Some of the science, such as artificial intelligence and mind uploading are still some way off, but now is the time to begin to think about their application. I would have preferred it if the author had given us more examples of the technologies and their practical applications, however it is a useful and thoughtful introduction to the subject and equips us to ask the right questions as we encounter the technology.'
Product details
Publisher: IVP Academic (9 April 2019)
Language: English
Paperback: 192 pages
