Masters or Slaves?: AI And The Future Of Humanity

'Written by an expert, it is historically situated, technologically informed, well-modulated in tone, coherent in argument, theological in orientation, and judicious in illustrations. More than a book of conclusions, its design and structure model the best in the art of robust critique while offering possible ways to consider the appropriate deployment of Artificial Intelligence.' - Bruce A. Little, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) pervades much of our lives. We use facial recognition to open our phones, and the state uses it to track us – so what’s the problem? Decisions are made using machine learning on our private and personal data, from shopping habits to medical history –have we lost control? We order our digital world in conversation with chatbots – how convenient, but is it changing our relationships with people? The prospect of a self-driving vehicle lies just around the corner – should we care that it might run over a child to save the passenger’s life?

Jeremy Peckham shows us how we have become seduced by progress, embracing AI applications for their convenience, yet unwittingly diminishing our ability to be God’s image-bearers and losing moral responsibility. Rooted in the biblical truth that humanity is created in God’s image, Masters or Slaves? explores six ways in which AI has an impact today. We are challenged where, and how, to set boundaries, both privately and as a society, in order not to fall into addiction, slavery and idolatry.

Applies virtue as a means of resolving tensions between competing ethical principles Explains the impact of AI in a number of key areas Intended for and accessible to non-specialists Offers a clear biblical foundation (creation of humanity in God's image) for response to these impacts Provides practical tools for analysis of these impacts

Jeremy Peckham has spent much of his career in the field of Artificial Intelligence, and latterly, as a businessman and entrepreneur. He worked as a government scientist at the UK Royal Aircraft Establishment and later moved to Logica, an international software and systems integration company. Whilst at Logica he was Project Director of the 5 year, pan European and 20m Euro research project on Speech Understanding and Dialogue (SUNDIAL) that broke new ground in AI. He founded his first company in 1993 through a management buy-out, based on the AI technology developed at Logica, and launched a successful public offering on the London Stock Exchange in 1996. Jeremy is now a technology entrepreneur, having helped to establish several high-tech companies over the last 25 years, where he has served as founder and interim CEO, Chairman, or non-executive director. He is part of a growing network of Christians in Europe and North America interested in AI and speaks at the Annual European Leadership Forum.