Robot Theology: Old Questions through New Media

Joshua K. Smith’s Robot Theology: Old Questions Through New Media (2022) introduces readers to a variety of issues that surround artificial intelligence (AI) and robots, and analyses these issues through the lens of Christian theology. Smith notes that few Christian and religious scholars are taking part in the discourse that surrounds these topics. The book is, therefore, a solid contribution to the interdisciplinary study of AI and robots. However, more than this, the intention behind the book is also an attempt to join the larger debate of how we can create a better future in an ever-changing world, as it relates to the integration of AI and robots into our daily lives. As Smith notes, “Participation in this discussion is not simply about interdisciplinar y study, but about ensuring human and planetary flourishing for our great-grandchildren. The world is in an economic and ethical crisis, and it is our Christian obligation and joy to serve however we can in the days ahead” (pg. 4). Although aimed at a Chri stian audience, human and planetary flourishing is in everyone’s interests. Therefore, the book also ha s wider appeal to those generally interested in ethical issues that arise in relation AI and robots. It is specifically through the lens of a more general philosophical reader, with an interest in robot and AI ethics, that I read Smith’s book, and review his discussions and arguments. Smith discusses an array of relevant ethical and metaphysical issues surrounding AI and robots. Topics discussed include questions of personhood and moral consideration, the robot rights debate, friendship and companionship with robots, and race, race theory and the metaphysics of race as it relates to AI and robots. These are topical themes within the field of robot and AI ethics. Robot Theology , therefore, slots itself well into the already existing literature. In Chapter 1 , before directly