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4 - The Buddha in AI/Robotics

from Part I - Religions and AI

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2024

By
Hannah Gould  and
Keiko Nishimura
Edited by
Beth Singler  and
Fraser Watts
Beth Singler
Affiliation:
Universität Zürich
Fraser Watts
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
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Summary

The global and historical entanglements between articifial intelligence (AI)/robotic technologies and Buddhism, as a lived religion and philosophical tradition, are significant. This chapter sets out three key sites of interaction between Buddhism and AI/robotics. First, Buddhism, as an ontological model of mind (and body) that describes the conditions for what constitutes artificial life. Second, Buddhism defines the boundaries of moral personhood and thus the nature of interactions between human and non-human actors. And finally, Buddhism can be used as an ethical framework to regulate and direct the development of AI/robotics technologies. It argues that Buddhism provides an approach to technology that is grounded in the interdependence of all things, and this gives rise to both compassion and an ethical commitment to alleviate suffering.

Keywords

BuddhismAIrobotsJapanconsciousnesssufferingethicsorientalismAsian religion
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Companion to Religion and Artificial Intelligence , pp. 50 - 68
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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References

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