AI Sages and the Ethical Frontier: Exploring Human Values, Embodiment, and Spiritual Realms

Dr. John Vervaeke

In this episode, first released on the “Transfigured” YouTube channel, John Vervaeke and Sam Tideman explore the future of AI, grappling with ethical, philosophical, and spiritual questions surrounding the creation of 'AI sages.' Delving into the nature of wisdom, they consider whether machines can truly comprehend truth, goodness, and beauty. As they examine embodiment, purpose, and socio-cultural context, Vervaeke and Tideman ponder if AI can become wise and understand vastly different minds. From historical sage archetypes to AI cults, they tackle complex technology and morality intersections, even venturing into AI's role in spiritual realms. Join us for a profound reflection on imbuing AI with wisdom and the existential risks and opportunities ahead.

Sam Tideman, an accomplished healthcare data scientist with an MS in Biostatistics, blends his analytical acumen with a passion for theology in his podcast, "Transfigured." The podcast features long-form discussions exploring the identity of Jesus, reflecting Sam's unique intersection of scientific expertise and spiritual inquiry.

Glossary of Terms

Silicon Sages: Hypothetical AI entities that have achieved a state of enlightenment

Molokian Forces: Forces that manipulate and control AI development for their own purposes

Resources

John Vervaeke

Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke

X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/

Sam Tideman

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7Ed0lecvko58ibuX1XHng

Join our new Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke

The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/

Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/

John Vervaeke YouTube

Awakening from the Meaning Crisis https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ

Delving into the Frontiers of Artificial General Intelligence with Sam Tideman https://youtu.be/TxZdwrjM96I?si=jCiREippX66rM-Lx

Wisdom in the Age of AI: A Philosophical Quest with Vervaeke, Pageau, and Schindler https://youtu.be/r3VXcPK7fG8?si=7hLit5JWo_cnFJ9j

AI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-_RdKiDbz4&list=PLND1JCRq8Vui2YOOfrxbeRwJk5jZPmAth

History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps https://www.historyofphilosophy.net/

Personification: Using the Dialogical Self in Psychotherapy and Counselling - John Rowan https://www.amazon.com/Personification-Using-Dialogical-Psychotherapy-Counselling/dp/0415433460

Many Minds, One Self: Evidence for a Radical Shift in Paradigm - Richard C. Schwartz https://www.amazon.com/Many-Minds-One-Self-Evidence/dp/0692957340

The Others Within Us: Internal Family Systems, Porous Mind, and Spirit Possession - Robert Falconer https://www.amazon.com/Others-Within-Us-Internal-Possession/dp/B0C12JXVBJ

Quotes

"I want to convey that I am of the firm conviction that my proposal has risks in it. I don't want to pretend that there's some sort of dewy-eyed optimism here. I'm making a proposal that I think is sort of the best that can be made within otherwise hellacious alternatives." - John Vervaeke [00:02:39]

“If you don't put the ability to care about self-deception and motivated self-correction into these machines, they will fall prey to the fact that intelligence is only weakly predictive of rationality.” - John Vervaeke [00:17:47]

Chapters

[00:00:00] - Introduction

[00:01:20] - The Possibility of AI Sages and Conjuring AI Demons

[00:04:40] - Thresholds and Decision Points in AI Development

[00:09:20] - Enlightened AI and the True, Good, and Beautiful

[00:13:37] - Preconditions for Helping AI Become More Wise

[00:19:40] - The Importance of Embodiment and Purpose in AI

[00:28:00] - Autopoiesis and Normative Orientation in AI

[00:33:20] - Wisdom as a Niche-independent or Context-dependent Concept

[00:38:20] - Communicating with an Artificial Intelligence

[00:46:20] - Silicon Sages as Great Teachers

[00:50:00] - Trusting the Silicon Sages

[00:56:31] - Preventing Malicious Use of AI and Cult Leaders

[01:05:20] - AI Interaction with Higher Spiritual Beings

[01:14:20] - The Increasing Importance of Theology in the Future