Survival of Human Spirit in the Technology Apocalypse

Science and technology pose new questions about the nature of life, consciousness, and the meaning of “human.” From daily family choices about social media to societal choices about artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and mind-machine interface, the human spirit faces unparalleled opportunity and threat. These inescapable choices define the direction of humanity, but for the most part unfold without even our awareness. We cannot avoid this tsunami of profound choices, yet we are not even armed with clear definitions of “human spirit,” “consciousness,” and “life.” This class will argue that the inescapable, technology-induced decisions facing individuals and society will be made on the basis of profit, convenience, or expediency, but that such profound choices about the very nature of humanity require reference to spiritual foundations.