The Quest to Transcendence: AI ideologies and super-intelligence

The narratives surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in the English-speaking West oscillate between boundless optimism and apocalyptic dread. From promises of “superpowers on demand” to fears of AI-induced extinction, these stories imbue AI with a mythical aura, framing it as a force capable of fundamentally altering the human experience. Yet, these visions are not new; they draw on centuries-old narratives about intelligent machines and humanity’s enduring desire to transcend its limits.

The Roots of AI Narratives

The allure of AI as a means of transcendence has deep historical and cultural roots. From the Iliad’s automata to modern science fiction, stories of intelligent machines have been used to explore societal and philosophical questions about humanity’s future. These narratives often reflect a transhistorical and transcultural fascination with technology’s potential to transform human life.

In the 1950s, pioneers like John McCarthy conceptualized AI as a logical, rational tool under human control. However, even at its inception, this vision sparked competing ideologies—some seeing AI as a path to utopia, others warning of its potential dystopian consequences. Decades of “AI winters” dampened the enthusiasm, but today, the quest for artificial general intelligence (AGI)—machines capable of human-level cognition—has reignited this ideological fervor. AGI is now often referred to as the “Holy Grail” of AI development, embodying the ultimate promise of superintelligence.

Defining Superintelligence

Superintelligence, as envisioned by figures like Nick Bostrom, represents a form of intellect far exceeding human cognitive capacities in virtually all domains. Yet defining intelligence itself remains elusive, with no universal consensus on its meaning. For some, superintelligence is about machines outperforming humans at most economically valuable tasks; for others, it signifies a complete transcendence of biological brains.

The quest for AGI is inseparable from these ideological visions. Groups advocating for AGI often intertwine it with broader ideologies like transhumanism, which seeks to radically extend human health, intelligence, and even life itself through technology. This alignment between technological ambition and philosophical ideals has created a landscape where AI is portrayed as a tool for overcoming the human condition, liberating us from physical and intellectual limitations.

The Irony of AI Safety

Parallel to the development of AGI is the rise of AI safety communities, which claim to protect humanity from AI’s long-term risks. These groups, often funded by the very tech leaders developing AGI, focus on preventing catastrophic outcomes like human disempowerment or extinction. Initiatives like OpenAI’s SuperAlignment project epitomize this tension, dedicating significant resources to ensure superintelligence aligns with human values while simultaneously accelerating its development.

This dual role has sparked skepticism. Critics point to the irony of those warning against AGI’s dangers also driving its creation. Mark Zuckerberg recently remarked that some proponents of AI safety appear motivated as much by strategy as by genuine concern. Public statements from AI leaders often blend technical foresight with existential urgency, further amplifying the apocalyptic tone of these narratives.

A Religious Revival

Beneath the surface, these narratives echo religious themes, particularly from Judeo-Christian traditions. Ideas like the resurrection of the body, glorified forms, and ultimate salvation find new life in modern concepts of digital immortality and the Singularity. Ray Kurzweil’s vision of turning “dumb matter” into intelligent, transcendent energy exemplifies this convergence of technological ambition with eschatological hope.

However, these ideologies also carry darker undertones. Scholars trace links between transhumanism and early 20th-century eugenics, highlighting a lineage of using technology to “enhance” humanity while perpetuating exclusionary, hierarchical ideas. Today’s AI leaders, many of whom fund transhumanist movements, continue to navigate these fraught ideological legacies, raising questions about the ethical foundations of their vision for the future.

Beyond Capitalism

While AI narratives are often framed as products of capitalism, their ideological roots go deeper. These stories are not merely about profit; they reflect a broader longing to transcend human limitations, reshape society, and redefine what it means to be human. From the mythical automata of ancient Greece to the promises of AGI, the quest for superintelligence reveals more about humanity’s aspirations than it does about technology itself.

The question we must ask is not whether AGI will transform the world, but whose vision of transformation it will serve—and at what cost.