All Brain and No Soul? - Paperback

by Robert A. Hunt (Author)

All Brain and No Soul? Real Humanity in an AI Age explores the profound shifts in human identity and understanding in the context of historical, scientific, and technological revolutions, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence. Beginning with the author's personal reflections on chaos and order in a changing world, it delves into humanity's displacement from the cosmic center through the Copernican Revolution, the evolution of modern science, and the redefining of intelligence and sentience. The narrative examines humanity's role within an expanding, indifferent universe and the implications of Darwin's theories on our relationship with nature and other species. It interrogates how technological advancements, like AI and brain-computer interfaces, reshape human self-perception and blur boundaries between machines and humans. The book highlights the dangers of abstracting humanity into algorithms and idealized digital personas. Through a lens of history, religion, and philosophy, the author raises questions about what it means to be human in a world increasingly mediated by screens, algorithms, and artificial intelligences, urging readers to reflect on the balance between technological progress and retaining authentic human connections.

Author Biography

Robert A. Hunt is director of global theological education at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. He teaches interfaith studies and comparative theology at Perkins, along with a doctoral seminar on concepts of the human in different historical, cultural, religious, and emerging contemporary contexts for the SMU Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies program. He is creator and producer of the Interfaith Encounters podcast, blog, and YouTube channel.