Kester Brewin: Artificial Intelligence from Taylor Swift to Desire-Hacking

Tripp Fuller

In this episode, I am joined by Kester Brewin, my partner, for the first Process This series on Artificial Intelligence. Here we wrap-up our series of interviews as we delve into the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence on theology, ethics, law, and society. Reflecting on our conversations with interdisciplinary experts, we focus on the philosophical and ethical implications of AI, from Taylor Swift’s stance on AI misuse to the potential dangers of deep fake technology on social media platforms. Topics include AI’s challenges to human individuality, freedom, and personhood, illustrated by references to TikTok, historical events, and Weber’s theory of disenchantment. The episode explores the balancing act between technological advancements and ethical considerations, highlighting both optimistic and pessimistic views on AI’s role in problem-solving and its societal impact. Through examples from Tolkien, transhumanism, and educational practices, the discussion underscores the need for responsible regulation and the importance of community in navigating modern capitalism’s whirlpool, ultimately pondering the true cost of technological progress on human dignity and autonomy.

Kester joined me, and the members of the Process This community as we recorded it live. If you want to hear the entire conversation, be invited to join future Process This live streams, and get an ad-free version of all the Homebrewed Christianity podcast episodes, then come join the community for as little as $6.70 per month.

Kester Brewin is an author, speaker, 25-year veteran of the classroom, and now Head of Communications at the Institute for the Future of Work, a research charity exploring how AI impacts the UK labour market. His most recent book, God-Like: a 500-year History of AI, is not only a powerful telling of humanity’s ongoing relationship with technology and a reflection on the current questions surrounding AI, but it is also a powerful and compelling work of radical theology.

Previous Episodes with Kester

• Artificial Intelligence & the Human Future
• Adult VBS with Walter Brueggemann, Kester Brewin, and Kristen Howerton
• Let Sleeping Gods Die w/ Kester Brewin
• Plundering Religion with Kester Brewin, Peter Rollins, & Barry Taylor #Mutiny
• Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Religion

Join my Substack – Process This!

Join our class – THE RISE OF BONHOEFFER

Follow the podcast, drop a review, or become a member of the HBC Community.