Artificial Intelligence, Society and Religion

The underlying objective of this book is to promote equality, global peace, harmony, transparency, inter-faith solidarity and broad-based awareness so that new technologies like AI can be developed, controlled and harnessed in the endeavor to tackle problems like hunger, poverty, disease, poor education, misinformation, pandemics, loss of biodiversity, environmental damage, authoritarianism, militarism, irresponsible consumerism, mental alienation and corporate domination that are facing the human race today.

This objective is pursued by adopting an interdisciplinary approach to explore the intriguing confluence of artificial intelligence, social structure and faith at many levels. Numerous illustrative examples from religion majority and other nations grace these pages. They elucidate the structure, uses, benefits, and productivity gains of AI as well as the flaws, abuses, biases, hype, hallucinations, and harms associated with AI systems. Secular and religious ethical codes for AI are examined. It is seen that despite theological concerns, religion―Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, or Secularism―is not a barrier to wide practical adoption of AI. AI in education, medical diagnosis, science research and industry, the impact of AI on mental health and the environment, the notion of artificial super intelligence, military uses of AI, especially in the genocidal war on Gaza, AI in the Global South and the views of late Pope Francis on AI garner central attention. This book makes the case that corporate driven AI operating in the profit-oriented neoliberal, imperial setting will harm human cognitive abilities and mental health, undermine education, foster bias and mediocrity, facilitate the spread of misinformation, exacerbate national and international inequality, support authoritarian rule, worsen climate change and make warfare deadlier. AI can benefit humanity only under an egalitarian, genuinely democratic, environmentally aware social order.

Based on a depth of research, Karim Hirji’s Artificial Intelligence, Society and Religion presents, in readable prose, a comprehensive portrait of the inter-relationship between an ancient human pre- occupation and a modern multi-faceted instrument that may presage a post-human future. Covering Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Secularism, it explores how these traditions use AI tools and navigate the ethical challenges of AI. The perspectives of religious dignitaries like the late Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama on AI are compared. Providing a broad introduction to the attainments as well as limitations of AI systems, the book also discusses the potential for the emergence of super-intelligent AI systems. Unlike other books on AI, Hirji’s magnum opus contextualizes AI and religions within the global neoliberal system and discusses how AI systems enable violations of human rights and facilitate the commission of genocide. —Abdul Paliwala, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Warwick

Using a broad range of sources with fascinating insight, Karim Hirji explores the ever-expanding world of Artificial Intelligence to inquire: Will AI benefit or endanger humanity? Using numerous country-level case studies, he explores multiple instances of the utility and harms of AI and argues that corporate-controlled AI will not only exacerbate inequality, but also cause more harm than good. Focusing on Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and secularism, he critically examines faith-based reactions to AI. Among other topics cogently covered are the ethics of AI, education and AI, military applications of AI and the possibility of a superintelligent AI. Addressing questions vital for our and the future generations from a progressive perspective, this book deserves attention from all concerned with where AI is driving our world. —Elizabeth Jones, MA, Teacher, Quaker, Former Co-editor of Christian Today, UK.

Karim Hirji’s Artificial Intelligence, Society and Religion: Crossroads of Algorithm, Neoliberalism and Faith is a path-breaking, inspiring and challenging book on AI that will help strengthen the social movements of resistance throughout the world. It delegitimizes the ideological obfuscations of imperialism—from the crimes of Eugenics to the fantasy of a happy AI future. It takes us on a fascinating and challenging journey, warns us of the grave dangers posed by corporate AI, and prepares us for the next stage of the lifetime battle for anti-imperialist and socialist humanity. —Eric Mann, Author and Co-Director, Labor/Community Strategy Center, South Central Los Angeles.