Theological approach to artificial intelligence debates

Abstract

Rapidly developing artificial intelligence (AI) technology is widely regarded as humanity’s newest and most effective achievement. Beyond its capacity to permeate every aspect of life and generate solutions for diverse needs, it has also become a subject of intense debate due to the claims it generates regarding human nature and faith. Specifically, this study evaluates AI technologies through their theological and ontological dimensions from the perspective of Kalam, investigating claims surrounding AI’s potential acquisition of consciousness and free will within the framework of human ontology and the status of being the addressee of divine obligation (taklif). Furthermore, its epistemic competence and its reinforcement by anti-religious ideologies such as Transhumanism in manners contradictory to tawhid position AI within debates that present it as an entity far beyond a mere tool. The exponential support and significance dedicated to AI research foster a strong conviction that Artificial General Intelligence, which will exhibit increasingly conscious states, will be achieved in the future. This trajectory renders it inevitable for the discipline of Kalam to formulate contemporary and dynamic arguments regarding the subject. Within the framework of Islamic aqidah, Kalam prevents doctrinal deviations that risk alienating human beings from the sphere of servitude through its defenses and explanations faithful to the essence of religion. Consequently, this study focuses on AI-related claims that cause deviations regarding tawhid and the akhirah, which constitute the bedrock of faith. Concepts such as technological immortality, technology supplanting religion, and humanity positioning itself as a creator are prominent among these claims. In order to compare the arguments of Islamic Kalam with those of artificial intelligence, conceptual analyses and a comprehensive literature review on human nature were conducted. Alongside analyzing concepts like consciousness and the soul, which still lack definitive and universally clear explanations, the rapid and volatile evolutionary pace of AI systems has complicated the formulation of a conclusive judgment on the matter. Nevertheless, this study remains highly valuable for understanding the trajectory of artificial intelligence, debating its theological arguments, and evaluating their truth-value.