PHAICON.NET International Observatory on Posthumanism and Artificial Intelligence

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the “PHAICON.NET International Observatory on Posthumanism and Artificial Intelligence”, a pioneering platform for critical analysis and interdisciplinary dialogue, continuing the mission of the Posthumanism and Artificial Intelligence International Conference (PHAICON24). This observatory emerges in response to the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, posthumanism, and their profound implications on humanity.

The observatory will operate entirely in an online format.All activities and discussions will be conducted virtually ensuring global participation and accessibility.

The observatory will  address the deep philosophical, ethical, and theological questions that arise as AI technology increasingly intertwines with human life. The 20th century brought unprecedented advancements, but it also shattered the optimistic belief in human reason as the ultimate guide to progress. Global conflicts, genocides, and totalitarian regimes have left a legacy of trauma and disillusionment that modern societies are still grappling with.

Today, as AI continues to reshape our realities—from biomedical technologies to the digital ecosystem and robotics—our ethical frameworks struggle to keep pace. The growing integration of AI into human life challenges our understanding of personhood, human dignity, and freedom, posing questions that touch every corner of human knowledge: science, anthropology, philosophy, and theology.

At the observatory, we also aim to examine the shift towards posthumanism and transhumanism, concepts that are increasingly central to intellectual discourse. We will critically engage with these developments, exploring their ethical ramifications, social consequences, and their impact on the values that have long defined human existence.

To further the observatory’s mission, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) will be created, comprised of speakers from the Posthumanism and Artificial Intelligence Conference as well as other experts recommended by them. These groups will serve as dedicated spaces for focused discussion on specific topics related to AI and posthumanism. They will convene online twice a year to follow up on developments, share insights, and engage in deeper reflection on key issues. These SIGs will ensure that dialogue remains active, evolving, and responsive to emerging challenges.

Of particular concern is the rise of radical ideologies, such as “wokeism,” which deconstruct and reinterpret human rights, values, and identities in ways that may disrupt the fabric of society. Our mission is to provide a forum where these issues can be scrutinized in a balanced manner, ensuring that ethical reasoning is at the forefront of discussions around AI and posthumanism.

The observatory will engage with Orthodox Christian theological perspectives, offering a voice that highlights the deep spiritual and existential dimensions of these debates. Orthodox thought, with its emphasis on the divine image in humanity and the call for transcendent freedom through Christ, offers a counterpoint to the dehumanizing tendencies of certain posthumanist ideologies. We will explore how this rich tradition can inform contemporary debates on human rights, AI ethics, and the future of human nature.

In creating this observatory, we seek to foster an ongoing international dialogue between science, ethics, and theology, addressing the central question of our time: how can humanity navigate the unprecedented challenges of a posthuman future?

Join us as we embark on this crucial journey of exploration, supported by expert-led Special Interest Groups, and committed to shaping a future that respects both human dignity and technological innovation.

Further operational details about the PHAICON.NET Observatory will follow after the completion of the Conference in Athens.