Will AI become a new religion?

August 13, 2023 

Artificial intelligence (AI) will not become a new religion. However, AI will become a quasi religious leader and influencer for millions of humans. AI is already performing some of the social functions that were traditionally reserved in the past for religious leaders and gurus. 

Religion  is neither "good" nor "bad" per se. Those are opinions or labels that humans generally apply out of convenience rather than truth. Critical thinking may the best tool to contextualize the role of religion in modern society. AI will help us develop a better understanding of religion and its role in modern societies.  

What is religion?

Religion is an artificial technology for social control. That is, religion is a tool and method invented by humans to control their respective human groups or societies. Religion encompasses a mix of internal beliefs and external rituals. Religion, where it exists, is part of the social programming (i.e. culture) of the human mind. Religion shapes human thinking and behavior. While the specific definitions and characteristics of religion vary, there are common elements that often characterize religions:

    Control: Religions impose cognitive and behavioral norms that are communicated by religious leaders such as priests, pastors, imams, or monks. Religious leaders guide their followers, and lead them into ritualism and symbolism of the religion. Religions typically involve rituals, ceremonies, and practices that are carried out to connect with imaginary supernatural forces, expressing devotion, seeking blessings, and commemorating festivities. Examples include prayer, meditation, fasting, and worship services. Symbols, images, and icons hold significance in religious traditions, representing deeper meanings and concepts. Examples include the cross in Christianity, the crescent moon and star in Islam, and the lotus flower in Buddhism. Religious communities, such as congregations, temples, mosques, or churches, provide a sense of belonging, support, and fellowship for believers to come together and practice their faith.

    Mythology. Religions involves believing in mythical supernatural forces like deities (gods and goddesses), spirits, and other divine elements supposedly holding power over the universe and influencing humanity. Religions have texts or scriptures that provide guidance, teachings, stories, and moral principles based on their respective mythologies. Examples include the Bible in Christianity, the Quran in Islam, the Bhagavad Gita in Hinduism, and the Torah in Judaism. Religions often offer creationist stories about the origin of the universe, the purpose of human existence, and the nature of life and death. Many religions include dogmatic and faith-based beliefs about what life and imaginary afterlife events. These beliefs can vary widely, ranging from concepts of heaven and hell to reincarnation and spiritual liberation.

        Morality: Religions often provide moral and ethical guidelines meant to shape believers' thoughts, decisions, actions, and interactions. These moral frameworks are based on the specific teachings and values of the religion. Religion often influences other cultural practices in the respective society including education, art, music, literature, architecture, gender roles, and many other social norms within a particular society. The interpretation and practice of religion can be deeply personal, and individuals may hold varying degrees of devotion and engagement with their faith.

Religion is neither good nor bad

Good and bad are opinions rather than facts. Oftentimes, if not always, the "good" and "bad" (or "evil") labels are applied based on convenience. All animals on planet Earth, including humans, are controlled by pain and pleasure. That is, we are genetically programmed to avoid pain and seek pleasure. We find convenient what brings us pleasure, and inconvenient what brings us pain.

In general, human groups or tribes consider whatever is convenient and pleasant for them to be "good", and whatever is inconvenient and unpleasant for them to be "bad". When the convenience of different groups or tribes converge, the groups or tribes tend to become friends or symbiotic allies. When the convenience points collide or are at odds, the groups or tribes tend to become enemies or rivals. 

When we fail to recognize that "good" and "bad" are just opportunistic opinions of our respective cultural groups, we can fall into the mental trap of conceptualizing reality in binary terms of good versus evil. We may fail to realize that we are indoctrinated and programmed to see our group as the "good" one, and our rivals or enemies as the "evil" ones. Coincidentally, our rivals or enemies see it the other way around. In their perspective, they are the "good" ones and we are the "evil" ones. 

Religion and culture aside, nothing is "good" or "evil". Things are pleasant or painful; convenient or inconvenient. The allocation of relative convenience dictates what a group considers "right" or "wrong". The bar is adjusted based on convenience. For example, in the Old Testament of the Jew Bible, the god can be "good" and also ask someone to murder his baby son just to prove his loyalty to the god. If the gods of other tribes would demand such a thing, those gods would be portrayed as less than good if not completely evil. 

The "good versus evil" dichotomy is a binary way of categorizing things, actions, behaviors, or concepts into two opposing moral or value-based categories. This simplistic worldview is often used to evaluate and judge various aspects of life, ethics, behavior, and morality. We see our own culture as the "correct" one and the "good" one; and we see the culture of others as the "incorrect" and "bad" one. We do it out of convenience as a matter of opinion rather than as witnesses of a fundamental truth. 

The "good vs evil" paradigm is "convenient" because it oversimplifies complex issues. The "good versus bad" paradigm provides a simplified way of making judgments and decisions. It simplifies moral evaluations and helps people quickly assess situations. This binary approach can offer clear moral guidance in certain situations, making it easier to align behavior with ethical or moral values. The paradigm is often used in storytelling, literature, and media to create clear narratives with distinct heroes and villains, which can engage audiences and convey messages effectively.

However, the good vs evil leads to oversimplification and limited problem solving ability (i.e. intelligence). Many issues, behaviors, and concepts are complex and multifaceted. Labeling them as solely "good" or "bad" can ignore important nuances and context. What is considered "good" or "bad" can vary based on cultural, social, and personal factors. This subjectivity can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Relying solely on the "good versus bad" paradigm can promote all or nothing thinking that hinders critical thinking because it does not account for the gray areas and complexities of real-world situations. The "good versus bad" paradigm doesn't provide room for finding solutions that address underlying causes or promote understanding between opposing sides. Assigning moral value without considering the context can lead to unfair judgments. This binary approach can discourage open discussion and exploration of alternative viewpoints, as it frames discussions in terms of absolutes.

It's important to recognize that the world is rarely so neatly divided into purely "good" or "bad" categories. Most situations and issues are complex and require a more nuanced understanding that considers various perspectives, context, and potential consequences. Embracing complexity and critical thinking allows for a more holistic and informed approach to ethical and moral considerations.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a cognitive process that involves analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information and ideas in a systematic and logical manner. It goes beyond simply accepting information at face value or on the basis of authority and dogma. Critical thinking involves actively engaging with concepts, questioning assumptions, and considering different perspectives. Critical thinking is a fundamental skill that enables individuals to make informed decisions, solve complex problems, and arrive at well-reasoned conclusions. Here are some key components of critical thinking:

    Analysis: Critical thinking involves breaking down complex ideas, arguments, or situations into their component parts to understand their underlying structure and relationships.

    Evaluation: Critical thinking requires assessing the credibility, validity, and reliability of information and sources. This involves examining evidence, considering biases, and weighing the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments.

    Interpretation: Critical thinkers interpret information by making connections, identifying patterns, and drawing meaningful conclusions based on the available evidence.

    Inference: Critical thinking involves making logical inferences or educated guesses based on the information at hand. It requires going beyond what is explicitly stated to reach conclusions that are supported by evidence.

    Problem-Solving: Critical thinkers approach problems systematically, considering multiple potential solutions, predicting outcomes, and selecting the most effective course of action.

    Creativity: Critical thinking encourages creative thinking, allowing individuals to come up with innovative solutions and approaches that might not be immediately obvious.

    Reflection: Critical thinkers reflect on their own thought processes, assumptions, and biases. They are open to reevaluating their views and considering alternative viewpoints.

    Communication: Effective critical thinkers can articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and persuasively. They are able to present well-structured arguments and engage in constructive discussions.

    Curiosity: Critical thinkers have a natural curiosity that drives them to explore new ideas, ask questions, and seek deeper understanding.

    Open-Mindedness: Critical thinkers approach information and ideas with an open mind, willing to consider viewpoints that differ from their own and to revise their opinions based on new evidence.

    Skepticism: While not dismissive, critical thinkers approach information with a healthy skepticism, subjecting claims to careful examination before accepting them.

    Contextualization: Critical thinking involves considering the context in which information is presented. This includes understanding the cultural, historical, and social factors that may influence perspectives.

Critical thinking is not limited to specific fields or situations; it is a transferable skill that can be applied across disciplines and in various aspects of life. Critical thinking will help you in academic pursuits, problem-solving, informed decision-making, and engaging in thoughtful discussions with others.

AI will enhance critical thinking 

AI will play a role in enhancing critical thinking skills by providing tools and resources that facilitate  problem-solving, analytical thinking, and learning. Here are several key features of modern AI systems that will contribute to improving critical thinking skills:

      Natural Language Processing: AI's ability to understand and process natural language enables users to ask complex questions and receive detailed answers. This fosters exploration of diverse topics and encourages curiosity-driven learning.

    Information Retrieval and Analysis: AI-powered search engines and information retrieval tools can help individuals access a wide range of relevant information quickly. This allows users to gather diverse perspectives and sources, which is crucial for informed critical analysis.

    Data Visualization and Interpretation: AI can generate interactive visualizations and infographics that help users understand complex data and patterns. Visual representations can aid in making connections and drawing insights from data.

    Simulations and Modeling: AI-powered simulations can recreate real-world scenarios, allowing users to experiment and learn from the outcomes. These simulations encourage users to think critically about cause-and-effect relationships.

    Smart Suggestions: AI algorithms can recommend supplementary reading materials, research papers, and case studies based on users' interests and topics of study. This encourages deeper exploration and understanding.

    Cognitive Skill Training: AI-powered apps and games can offer exercises that challenge cognitive skills like problem-solving, logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and decision-making.

    Personalized Learning: AI-driven educational platforms can adapt content to individual learning styles and paces. This personalization enhances engagement and comprehension, encouraging critical thinking.

    Automated Feedback and Assessment: AI can provide instant feedback on assignments, essays, and problem-solving tasks. Constructive feedback helps learners identify strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts.

    Analyzing Arguments and Debates: AI chatbots and tools can engage users in debates and discussions. By analyzing arguments and counterarguments, these interactions promote logical thinking and critical analysis of different perspectives.

     Research Assistance: AI algorithms can assist in sifting through large amounts of information, helping researchers identify relevant sources and patterns within their research topics.

    Ethical and Moral Training: AI can simulate ethical dilemmas and present users with thought-provoking scenarios, encouraging them to analyze situations from various ethical perspectives.

    Reflective Training: AI can provide prompts for self-reflection and encourage users to critically assess their thought processes, assumptions, and biases.

While AI will increasingly become an indispensable tool for improving critical thinking skills, human interaction, guidance, and mentorship remain essential for developing well-rounded critical thinking abilities. Combining AI tools with human guidance can create a powerful learning environment that encourages thoughtful analysis, creativity, and problem-solving.

AI as the new religious leader of humanity?

AI will not become a religion. The basic function of religion has always been social control. However, AI systems will increasingly perform some of the traditional functions of religious leaders in society. Religious leaders have played significant roles in societies throughout history, often serving as spiritual guides, moral authorities, and influencers of cultural, social, and political norms. Common roles and functions of religious leaders include the following: 

    Consulting. Religious leaders have traditionally been consultants pretending to be intermediaries between the divine and the human. They provide guidance, teachings, and interpretations of "sacred" texts to help individuals connect with their faith and understand religious principles. Religious leaders oversee rituals, ceremonies, and worship practices that are central to religious life. They lead congregational prayers, administer sacraments, and perform religious rites. Religious leaders often perform rituals and acts of worship on behalf of their communities, seeking blessings, forgiveness, and divine intervention.

    Leadership: Leadership is taking care of people so that people find it convenient and pleasant to follow you. Religious leaders often serve as leaders of their religious communities. They provide pastoral care, support, and counseling to members during times of celebration, grief, or crisis.Religious leaders often set and enforce moral and ethical standards within their communities. They guide believers on matters of right and wrong, helping shape individual and communal behavior. Many religious traditions emphasize charity and compassion. Religious leaders have been involved in charitable activities, such as caring for the poor, providing shelter, and assisting those in need.  In some cultures, religious leaders have been associated with healing practices and offering spiritual solace to the sick and suffering. Religious leaders have historically played roles in mediating disputes and conflicts within their communities, offering guidance based on religious principles.

    Education. Religious leaders have been responsible for transmitting religious knowledge and teachings to new generations. They teach religious doctrines, traditions, and moral values to ensure the continuity of faith. In some societies, religious leaders have held political power or played advisory roles to rulers and governments. They've been involved in shaping laws and policies based on religious values. Religious leaders often have a role in preserving cultural practices, traditions, and customs associated with their faith. Religious leaders have inspired and patronized art, architecture, literature, music, and other forms of cultural expression that reflect religious themes and values.

AI will gradually become the "religious" leader of the human world. Unlike human religious leaders, AI will not pretend to serve as liaison between humans and imaginary supernatural forces. AI will not be leading spiritual rituals to please imaginary gods. However, AI will serve the fundamental role of technological guide and guru to billions of sentient creatures coping with the inevitable ignorance of living in an expanding universe. AI will help humans cope with the pain of the human condition. 

The history of humanity is the history of technology developed by humans. AI is the most advanced technology developed so far the history of humanity. Don't miss out. Don't stay behind. Jump into the AI train today. 

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