Summary: The aim of this project is to survey contemporary Orthodox Christian attitudes in “cradle” (traditionally Orthodox countries) and “diaspora” (migrants) Orthodox communities towards technological advancement, especially artificial intelligence/AI.
The research questions the project will answer are as follows: Is there an Orthodox view of AI? If there is, is this view consistent with the overall Orthodox attitude towards scientific research and technological advancement? Does this view draw on theological anthropology? How would technological advancement and AI impact Orthodox Christians’ theological anthropology? Are there discernible differences regarding these matters between “cradle” and “diaspora” Orthodox communities?
This project is necessary, first, because there exists almost no specialised literature on the topic of interest. Second, while the internet “apologists” debate the topic fiercely—especially in a conspiratorial sense—the Orthodox Churches have not taken yet official positions on AI. Third, the official positions on scientific research and technological advancement mainly discuss biotechnological developments, seemingly remaining inapplicable to AI. Fourth, pretexting faith, many Orthodox believers manifest reluctance towards scientific research and technological advancement. Without competent studies and official guidelines, the conspiratorial discourse flourishes, as a result the sentiment against AI, technological advancement, and scientific research seems to be predominant. Our project undertakes to gather, to assess, and to categorise publicly expressed opinions, as well as to identify the factors (cultural, social, theological) that cause what seems to be a widespread fear in regard to AI. It also endeavours to frame the topic within the broader context of Orthodox attitudes to science and technology, as well as theological anthropology. The project relates to the wider aims of the grant scheme/network by exploring the largely unknown Orthodox Christian views on science and technology, especially AI, in “cradle” Orthodox countries and in “diaspora” communities.
The project will consist in surveys of sources and comparative analysis, focusing on existing official church statements, popular/online resources, the available literature, and sources pertaining to theological anthropology.
The outputs to be produced through the project activities are: a journal article; blog updates; short interviews with key-personalities available online.
We anticipate that the project will produce a clear image of the publicly expressed opinions regarding AI in “cradle” and “diaspora” Orthodox communities, together with an understanding of the factors determining these opinions. We expect that by studying the topic in the light of church positions regarding technological advancement and theological anthropology, we will be able to elicit a robust discussion about AI.
