Buddhism, Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of Humanity: Towards A Compassionate Technological Civilization

Abstract

The development and emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have redefined the concept of the human condition in an unprecedented way. From automation and healthcare, education and environmentalism, AI has become an essential part of our lives and has redefined the course of human civilization. However, the emergence of AI is calling for some very fundamental questions regarding the human condition. This paper aims to examine the emergence of AI with respect to Buddhist philosophy and its views on suffering, interdependence, mindfulness, and compassion. The paper will examine the current incorporation of AI in everyday life, the potential of technology to enhance meditation and wellness, and the potential for dependency, dehumanization, and existential threat with respect to AI. This article, drawing upon Buddhist principles such as dukkha (suffering), karuṇā (compassion), and prajñā (wisdom), advocates the adoption of the middle path concept to bring together the principles of technology and ethics. Instead of seeing AI as a force of alienation, the Buddhist vision of compassionate technology provides a way to envision a harmonious relationship between humanity and technology. Not only does the Buddhist vision of compassionate technology provide a way to look at the negative aspects of the dangers posed by AI, but it also provides a direction for the evolution of AI.