Today, AI technologies are advancing rapidly and their social visibility is increasing day by day. In the process of technological integration, digitalization, genetics, cybernetics, neuroscience and finally general artificial...
moreToday, AI technologies are advancing rapidly and their social visibility is increasing day by day. In the process of technological integration, digitalization, genetics, cybernetics, neuroscience and finally general artificial intelligence, there is a radical change from human-society relations to the transformation of physics-metaphysics concepts. Religion is one of the phenomena that has its share in this process of change. All our relations, especially our practices based on religion and tradition and our world of values, are undergoing a rapid transformation. The critical period we are living through is variously called the AI age, the digital age, the robotic or transhuman age. It is necessary to make an intellectual and theoretical preparation, even at the theoretical level, before a shocking confrontation about the possible phenomena that may occur. Due to its basic principle, the science of kalām is a discipline that produces thoughts not only on problematic issues but also on theoretical and philosophical issues. In this context, one of the issues we would like to bring to the agenda is mind transfer, on which technologies such as neuroscience, cybernetics and AI are working together. Mind transfer is not possible in today's conditions, but rapid progress in AI technologies may lead to different situations in the future. For example, in the coming decades, the neuronal mapping of the human personality and self could be transformed into a mathematical algorithm or subject to a biochemical transfer. Electronic personalities and neurochemical maps could be transferred to robots called humanoids through neuro engineering or chip technologies. In cases where the transfer of minds to bits or mechanical bodies via bio/nano robots is impossible or not preferred due to economic difficulties, life in the cloud can be offered as a second option. This article will focus on the religious experience, leaving out many of the radical changes that are likely to occur in such a situation. What are the possible theological problems that may arise if the mind transfer project, on which theoretical and practical work is being carried out, becomes a reality? This is the main question this article seeks to answer. In addition, scientific and philosophical arguments for the possibility of algorithmic mind will be examined. Both sides have strong and well-founded arguments on this point. Although the hand of those who see mind transfer as impossible in the current conditions seems to be stronger, the rate of technological progress and the developments achieved as a result of the investments made are not disappointing. It is important to evaluate the issue, which is one of the new and techno-based versions of the human quest for immortality, primarily in the theo-ethical dimension. For the realization of the transfer of minds, which seems impossible from today's perspective, will change the relationship between God and human beings from head to toe. On the other hand, with the extension of life span, social, economic, psychological and theological reconstructions will become compulsory. However, contrary to what is claimed, religion will not lose its importance and will continue to maintain its theo-pisychic and psychosocial significance. Again, contrary to what is claimed, death will not be killed or the belief in the hereafter will not be refuted. This is because the belief in the afterlife is the ultimate historical end-stop that corresponds to the annihilation of all existence. Changing the conventional cosmic order by utilizing the potential possibilities within the existing being will not be enough to stop the apocalypse. The problem of duplicate identities is another problem we will face. Discussions on religious, legal and moral obligations will take on a new dimension with this technology. A “new” or “reinterpreted” belief system will be needed in response to the “new life” that living in a synthetic body with silicon, mechanics and electronics will bring. Nevertheless, mind transfer will lead to the change or updating of many worships and rituals from every religion. It should also not be overlooked that there are many benefits to be gained in terms of the goals of religion if this technology is acquired. The realization of mind transfer would add a new dimension to the age-old debate about the nature of the soul or mind. Because this technology will bring up the invalidity of the Cartesian and Platonic understanding of the soul. Accordingly, new definitions of human beings will come to the agenda according to the successes to be achieved in mind transfer. In this study, literature review, descriptive analysis, content analysis and qualitative research methods were utilized. It is hoped that the article, which we realize that no research has been conducted from a theological perspective before, will contribute to the field as it is the first of its kind.