The Problem of Algorithmic Minds, Theological Critique of Mind Transfer

Mehmet Ödemiş

Article Details

The Problem of Algorithmic Minds, Theological Critique of Mind Transfer

Authors:

Mehmet Ödemiş

Publisher:

Sakarya University

Main Topics:

Kelam

Journal:

Sakarya Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.27 Issue 1, pp.216-231

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

6/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001350542

pISSN:

2146-9806

Keywords:

Abstract:

 In the process of technological integration, digitalization, genetics, cybernetics, neuroscience and finally general artificial intelligence, our practices and our system of values, which are fed by religion and tradition, are undergoing a rapid metamorphosis. By its foundational nature, the science of kalām produces thought not only on problematic matters but also on theoretical subjects. In this context, generating ideas about mind transfer and its possible consequences, which is one of the topics currently under active discussion, is among the intellectual responsibilities of kalām. Mind transfer is unlikely in todays conditions, but the dizzying progress in AI technologies has the potential to open up different opportunities in the future. For example, it is suggested that in the coming decades, the human self could be neuronally mapped and turned into a mathematical algorithm or subject to biochemical transfer. Subsequently, electronic personalities and neurochemical maps could be transferred to robots called humanoids through neuroengineering or chip technologies. This article will first examine the scientific and philosophical evidence for the possibility of an algorithmic mind and then discuss the theological problems that may arise if this project is realized. It is concluded that even if mind transference remains a mere thought experiment, the intellectual endeavor in this topic will offer new neurotheological perspectives on the relationship between the self and the brain. The article will also discuss the theological implications of the realization of mind transfer. In this study, which we approached with the idea that it would force us into a new theology, literature review, descriptive analysis, content analysis and qualitative research methods were utilized. It is hoped that the article, which we notice that no research has been conducted from a theological perspective before, will contribute to the field as it is the first of its kind.

 In the process of technological integration, digitalization, genetics, cybernetics, neuroscience and finally general artificial intelligence, our practices and our system of values, which are fed by religion and tradition, are undergoing a rapid metamorphosis. By its foundational nature, the science of kalām produces thought not only on problematic matters but also on theoretical subjects. In this context, generating ideas about mind transfer and its possible consequences, which is one of the topics currently under active discussion, is among the intellectual responsibilities of kalām. Mind transfer is unlikely in todays conditions, but the dizzying progress in AI technologies has the potential to open up different opportunities in the future. For example, it is suggested that in the coming decades, the human self could be neuronally mapped and turned into a mathematical algorithm or subject to biochemical transfer. Subsequently, electronic personalities and neurochemical maps could be transferred to robots called humanoids through neuroengineering or chip technologies. This article will first examine the scientific and philosophical evidence for the possibility of an algorithmic mind and then discuss the theological problems that may arise if this project is realized. It is concluded that even if mind transference remains a mere thought experiment, the intellectual endeavor in this topic will offer new neurotheological perspectives on the relationship between the self and the brain. The article will also discuss the theological implications of the realization of mind transfer. In this study, which we approached with the idea that it would force us into a new theology, literature review, descriptive analysis, content analysis and qualitative research methods were utilized. It is hoped that the article, which we notice that no research has been conducted from a theological perspective before, will contribute to the field as it is the first of its kind.

 In the process of technological integration, digitalization, genetics, cybernetics, neuroscience and finally general artificial intelligence, our practices and our system of values, which are fed by religion and tradition, are undergoing a rapid metamorphosis. By its foundational nature, the science of kalām produces thought not only on problematic matters but also on theoretical subjects. In this context, generating ideas about mind transfer and its possible consequences, which is one of the topics currently under active discussion, is among the intellectual responsibilities of kalām. Mind transfer is unlikely in todays conditions, but the dizzying progress in AI technologies has the potential to open up different opportunities in the future. For example, it is suggested that in the coming decades, the human self could be neuronally mapped and turned into a mathematical algorithm or subject to biochemical transfer. Subsequently, electronic personalities and neurochemical maps could be transferred to robots called humanoids through neuroengineering or chip technologies. This article will first examine the scientific and philosophical evidence for the possibility of an algorithmic mind and then discuss the theological problems that may arise if this project is realized. It is concluded that even if mind transference remains a mere thought experiment, the intellectual endeavor in this topic will offer new neurotheological perspectives on the relationship between the self and the brain. The article will also discuss the theological implications of the realization of mind transfer. In this study, which we approached with the idea that it would force us into a new theology, literature review, descriptive analysis, content analysis and qualitative research methods were utilized. It is hoped that the article, which we notice that no research has been conducted from a theological perspective before, will contribute to the field as it is the first of its kind.

 Teknolojik bütünleşme, dijitalleşme, genetik, sibernetik, nörobilim ve nihayet genel yapay zekâya doğru gidilen süreçte din ve gelenekten beslenen pratiklerimiz ve değer dünyamız, hızlı bir başkalaşım geçirmektedir. Kelâm ilmi, var oluş ilkesi gereği yalnız problematik hâline gelmiş meseleler hakkında değil; nazari mevzularda da düşünce üreten bir disiplindir. Bu bağlamda bugünlerde tartışılan konulardan biri olan zihin transferi ve olası neticeleri hakkında fikir üretmek, kelâmın görevleri arasındadır. Zihin transferi günümüz koşullarında olası değildir fakat YZ teknolojilerindeki baş döndürücü ilerleme, gelecekte farklı fırsatların ortaya çıkmasını sağlayabilecek istidatlar taşımaktadır. Örneğin önümüzdeki on yıllarda insan benliğinin nöronal haritası çıkarılarak matematiksel bir algoritmaya dönüştürülebileceği veya biyokimyasal bir aktarıma konu olabileceği ileri sürülmektedir. Devamında elektronik kişilikler ve nörokimyasal haritalar, nöro mühendislik ya da çip teknolojileri yoluyla insansı adı verilen robotlara aktarılabilecektir. Makalede öncelikle algoritmik zihnin mümkün olup olmadığına dair bilimsel ve felsefi deliller incelenecek ardından mezkûr proje hayata geçerse ortaya çıkacak muhtemel kelâmi sorunlar ele alınacaktır. Zihin aktarımı bir düşünce deneyinden ibaret kalsa dahi bu uğurdaki entelektüel çabanın benlik beyin ilişkisi bağlamında, yeni nöroteolojik perspektifler sunacağı sonucuna varılmıştır. Makalede, böylesi bir olasılıkta kelâmî sahada ne gibi değişikliklerin yaşanabileceğine değinilmiş ve çeşitli öneriler getirilmiştir. Bizi yeni bir teolojiye zorlayacağını düşünerek ele aldığımız zihin transferi konulu çalışmamızda literatür taraması, betimsel inceleme ve nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden yararlanılmıştır. Daha evvel kelâmi perspektiften incelenmediğini fark ettiğimiz konunun, ilk olması hasebiyle alana katkı sağlayacağı umulmaktadır.

Article Details

The Problem of Algorithmic Minds, Theological Critique of Mind Transfer

Authors:

Mehmet Ödemiş

Publisher:

Sakarya University

Main Topics:

Kelam

Journal:

Sakarya Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.27 Issue 1, pp.216-231

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

6/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001350542

pISSN:

2146-9806

Kalām

Mind Transfer

Artificial Intelligence

Technology

ReligionKelâm

Zihin Transferi

Yapay Zekâ

Teknoloji

Din

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Mehmet Ödemiş

Publisher: Sakarya University

Main Topics: Kelam

Journal: Sakarya Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.27 Issue 1, pp.216-231

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 6/2025

Document Language: Turkish

Document ID (Org No.): 2001350542

pISSN: 2146-9806

Issues

Authors:

Mehmet Ödemiş

Publisher:

Sakarya University

Main Topics:

Kelam

Journal:

Sakarya Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.27 Issue 1, pp.216-231

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

6/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001350542

pISSN:

2146-9806