Robots are increasingly used to perform routine tasks in manufacturing and military environments. Less well known is the fact that artificial intelligence (AI) research (of which robotics is a sub-branch) extends to human-robot interactions (HRI). Anecdotally, I have heard that many elderly persons take to robots as social companions and have found it to extend their lifespans. But there are some functionalities that robots simply cannot replace. And at some point, ethical implications rise to the forefront. I was disheartened to read that David Levy at the University of Maastricht in the … [Read more...] about Marriage to Robots by 2050?
Susan Olasky on The Death of the Grown-Up
I previously commented positively about The Death of the Grown-Up by Diana West, which I have not read. As a balancing remark, I thought I should also mention Susan Olasky's brief critique. Olasky notes that although West gives a thorough review of cultural decline (rap music, teenage sexual mores, etc.), she falls into the same sort of relativism which she critiques when she opines that religion isn't necessary for cultural renewal. Sounds like a legitimate concern. (HT: World Mag, October 6, 2007 issue) … [Read more...] about Susan Olasky on The Death of the Grown-Up
What’s So Great About Christianity – Dinesh D’Souza
The Better Hour: The Legacy of William Wilberforce
This year (2007) is the 200th anniversary of William Wilberforce's success in ending the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, and was marked (among other ways) by the release of a major motion picture. Still in the works, however, is a documentary entitled The Better Hour: The Legacy of William Wilberforce. This project is funded by the John Templeton Foundation and is set to be nationally televised, probably in February 2008:The goal of the documentary is to focus on how strength of character is harnessed in the service of high and seemingly unattainable goals for society. Character and community … [Read more...] about The Better Hour: The Legacy of William Wilberforce
Instone-Brewer, Piper and Kostenberger on Divorce and Remarriage
Instone-Brewer wrote on divorce in the October issue of Christianity Today, arguing that divorce (and remarriage) is permissible in cases of adultery, emotional or physical neglect, or abandonment and abuse. John Piper responded, rightly chastising Christianity Today for putting the careless phrase "When to separate" on its cover, even thought the matter being debated is whether separation is ever permissible, and if so, under what circumstances. Then Andreas Kostenberger entered the fray, representing the majority opinion among evangelicals: that divorce is only permissible in cases of … [Read more...] about Instone-Brewer, Piper and Kostenberger on Divorce and Remarriage