Science fiction often depicts artificial intelligence as technical minds embodied in humanlike bodies. Think Commander Data of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." In reality, AI is mindless and usually disembodied. Yet it's still important, and scientists shouldn't be the only ones with a say in its future.
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention recently laid a marker down with "Artificial Intelligence: An Evangelical Statement of Principles." The document addresses topics from sex and medicine to accountability and the image of God. The common theme: What does it mean to be human?
It's encouraging to see religious leaders consider the implications of new technology. Yet as an artificial-intelligence scientist and evangelical Christian, I found the document disappointing.
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