Personhood Threatened by AI?

In one study, scientists even state that AI is engaging with us in a way that extends our cognitive reach. Consistent with a secular view that cannot draw clear boundaries between humans and machines, these scientists believe AI’s growing intelligence poses a threat to human personhood. But surprisingly, contrary to this secular view, the scientists claim that humans should be issued unique personhood credentials to distinguish us from AI.

Humans have created AI in their own image. No matter how intelligent AI bots become, they will never be persons because the mark of personhood is not dictated by intelligence. (Besides, artificial intelligence is not the same as human intelligence. Unlike humans, for example, AI is not self-aware and does not understand that it’s thinking.) Rather, God defined humankind in Genesis 1 when he created us in his image on day six, setting us apart from the rest of his creation.

This article is from Answers magazine, January–March, 2025, p. 30.