인공지능과 특이점의 시대: 파우스트 신화와 <트랜센던스>

Abstract

Posthumanism as one of the major issues in the area of the humanities, was developed from Transhumanism which was first discussed by a futurologist, Max More. Since then many futurologists have worked to define the concept of posthumanism. It is generally accepted that a posthuman is a new kind of human being, equipped with new technologies such as AI, robotics, IT, cognitive science, nanotechnology and so on. Ray Kurzweil suggests that posthumanism will ultimately face the moment of "Singularity" which means the moment when the speed and influences of future technologies work together to make a totally different environment never experienced before. Then a posthuman is transformed to an omniscient and omnipotent entity--almost like God. Indeed, humanity has desired to achieve the superpower possessed by God from time immemorial, which is reflected in the myth of Faustus. This paper delves into the human desire by comparing Faustus myth with a film, Transcence, mainly using Ray Kurzweil's theories on futurology.