By: Dan Bulatek
In philosophy, the adjective transcendental and the noun transcendence convey the basic ground concept from the word's literal meaning (from Latin), of climbing or going beyond, albeit with varying connotations in its different historical and cultural stages. (Wikipedia.com)
This word caught my interest the other day as I sat enthralled watching the movie Transcendence. In my mind I see a difference between the divine and AI but then I think it depends on how one defines the word divine. Dose it mean religion, GOD, a higher sense of self or being? Or does it mean simply going beyond what is human in some way, form or fashion?
Here’s the premise of the movie: A brilliant scientist named Will (Johnny
Depp) is shot when a carefully-orchestrated protest targets computer labs
across the country. Although his prognosis is good, he falls ill. The bullet
that hit him was laced with a radioactive substance and he succumbs to
radiation poisoning. (http://www.newportthisweek.com/news/2014-04-24/Around_Town/Transcendence_Stirs_Debate.html)
His wife, Evelyn (Rebecca Hall), doesn’t want to let him die
completely, so she uploads his thoughts, memories, and personality into their
A.I. system. He reforms and seems to come back as an image on a computer
screen. Their research partner Martin (Clifton Collins Jr.) insists that what
Evelyn (Eve?) sees cannot possibly be Will. It is a facsimile, and we all know
that copies aren’t quite the same as the originals. Science says matter cannot
be destroyed, but it can be changed. However, once changed, is any matter,
especially a human being, the same as it was? (http://www.newportthisweek.com/news/2014-04-24/Around_Town/Transcendence_Stirs_Debate.html)
So what are your thoughts? Can divinity be reached through technology or can only GOD claim the right and the ability to let such things happen?
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