computer systems that perform tasks needing human-like intelligence

Searle’s thought experiment about understanding

a being with a mind capable of conscious experience, understanding, and meaningful action

grasping meaning, not just following rules

AI: is it a person?

Religious education

Face to face: the changing nature of connection

Robots, humans and consciousness

The future of being human

This unit focusses on developing technology and how it might impact people in the future. It takes a philosphical way of knowing to ask whether online relationships are the same as those in person. It questions whether devlelopments in AI and robotics may enhance or supplant personal relationships.

Personhood: what might be the people of the future?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

systems that perform tasks needing human-like intelligence

a being with a mind capable of real experiences

is grasping meaning, not just following rules

Match each keyword to its correct meaning:

Functionalism says the mind is defined by what it {{}}.

What does Searle’s Chinese Room experiment show?

Dualists usually reject AI as persons because they say only {{}} can be persons.

What do physicalists believe about the mind?

Much communication today takes place {{}}.

Why do people often choose messaging over talking in person?

Who makes the argument that digital contact can feel like connection but remain shallow?

Pope Francis teaches that meaningful relationships require real {{}}.

In which document does Pope Francis say that digital relationships can be an illusion?

According to Pope Francis, the Good Samaritan shows the importance of real {{}}.

AI: is it a person?

Lesson outcome

Content guidance