AGI: An Impoverished Debate

The recent surge in arXiv publications regarding consciousness in artificial intelligence (AI) or artificial consciousness (AC) has produced a highly focused, empirically oriented discourse. However, this literature systematically sidelines the vast philosophical tradition regarding consciousness. Drawing on an analysis of 25 representative arXiv papers published between 2021 and 2025, this article argues that this omission … Continue reading The Contemporary Debate on Consciousness and AI/AC/AGI: An Impoverished Debate →

Science and Religion, Magic, Esotericism: A Symbiosis through Inspiration (updated)

The relationship between science and the domains of religion, magic, and esotericism is frequently portrayed as a conflict—a relic of the 19th century popularized by figures such as Andrew Dickson White in his work "A History of the Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom" (1896). In reality, however, numerous pioneering scientists drew inspiration, insights, … Continue reading Science and Religion, Magic, Esotericism: A Symbiosis through Inspiration (updated) →

Soul in Philosophy&Religion. How Big AI is Plundering the Concept of Soul.

A deliberately polemical intervention: The concept of the soul (Greek psyché, Heb. nefesh/neshama, Lat. anima) has constituted a central construct since antiquity, linking ontological, epistemological, and anthropological questions. In the contemporary debate surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is increasingly instrumentalized - for instance, by companies such as Anthropic, which postulate a "functional soul" to legitimize … Continue reading Soul in Philosophy&Religion. How Big AI is Plundering the Concept of Soul. →

Golem and Frankenstein: Two Fails. Learnings for Artificial Intelligence

When philosophy, science, Kabbalah, magic, and religion were only a heartbeat apart, Joseph Scheda saw the light of day on March 17, 1580, as a golem. I will come back to this with the words of Norbert Wiener.

Israeli and German Universities establish Joint Center for Religion

Two large universities from Germany and Israel have decided to establish a joint center on interreligious dynamics. It is doubtful whether German universities are the best partners. Read more on VonNaftali: Subscription $29,90/12 months (net) For the first time, according to the recent press release, Tel Aviv University in Israel and Goethe University in Frankfurt … Continue reading Israeli and German Universities establish Joint Center for Religion →