Infinite Generation, Infinite Consumption: Theological Anthropology and Human Relationships with Artificial Intelligence

This article focuses on the use of AI chatbots as relationship partners for humans. I argue that—far from being like loving, generative human relationships—human-AI relationships consume humans, obviating the conditions of human becoming. Part 1 explores how AI chatbots work and the effects of their use. Part 2 lays out different arguments about the metaphysical nature of human-AI relationships, staking my argument with those who argue that an AI is not a “Thou” or “Other” but rather an extension of human being over which we must exercise agency. Part 3 summarizes Karl Rahner’s theological anthropology in “Reflections on the Unity of the Love of Neighbor and the Love of God.” In the final section, Part 4 brings Rahner’s framework into conversation with Parts 1 and 2 to argue that the existentially-disorienting effect of a relationship with an AI forms the condition for the non-possibility of self-transcendence. It therefore consumes us, quashing the very context in which we become human, attend to and love one another, and know God.