Artificial Intelligence, Gita and the Question of Self

Introduction

One of the deepest philosophical questions of human civilization is – ‘Who am I’? This question is not limited to spiritual or religious discourse only but in the modern technological era, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made it relevant again. Recently, through the ‘AI-Powered Bhagavad Gita Project’, this question has become more profound that can artificial intelligence understand our identity, self and consciousness ?

Self according to Gita

• According to Bhagavad Gita, the soul is eternal, indestructible and inseparable from Brahman.
• ‘Ego’ and ‘sensory experiences’ are only temporary illusions.
• True self-knowledge is only possible when the person goes beyond the distinction of ‘I and you’ and experiences the complete cosmic unity.
• The Gita teaches that the soul is beyond action and enjoyment; it is only a pure witness.

The Self according to Gautama Buddha

• Buddha gave the theory of ‘Anatman’. According to him, there is no permanent self.
• Life is a set of five skandhas (form, feeling, perception, sanskara and vijnana) which are constantly changing.
• The solution to the search for the self was given by Buddha in the ‘middle path’ and nirvana – where the concept of ‘I’ ends and compassion and wisdom emerge.

The Self according to Artificial Intelligence

• AI does not have a self but only algorithms and data-processing capabilities.
• AI can recognize objective facts and patterns but it cannot understand the inner feeling of experience.
• Example: AI can recognize the wavelength of red colour (650 nanometers) but it cannot understand the human feeling of ‘red’ (memories associated with blood, love or pain).
• Thus AI can simulate consciousness but is deprived of self-realization.

Impact of AI-enabled Gita

• Positives:
  • Teachings of Gita will be easily available to youth.
  • Interactive education will provide an opportunity to ask deeper questions and understand.
• Negatives:
  • AI based ‘clones’ will lead to identity and authenticity crisis.
  • There may be an illusion that the artificial voice is speaking the ‘truth’.
  • There may be an increased threat to personal privacy, emotions and originality of self.

Ethics and Philosophy

• Authenticity:
  • Are the thoughts generated by AI really my thoughts or just copies?
• Identity Crisis:
  • The difference between the ‘cloned voice’ and the ‘real self’ gets blurred.
• Duty and responsibility:
  • Who will be held accountable if AI gives wrong information?
• Philosophical questions:
  • Discovery of self is possible only through lived experience, machines cannot replace it.

AI related dilemmas

Humans are confused about their AI ‘clones’; on one hand they see an opportunity to learn in it, on the other hand they worry about losing their originality and identity. This dilemma reflects the condition of modern humans, where convenience and existential questions collide together.

Civil servant perspective

• Adoption of innovation: The use of technology is helpful in spreading knowledge to the public.
• Ethical sensitivity: In policy making, it should be kept in mind that technology should not affect the privacy and self-esteem of the person.
• Philosophical perspective: It is necessary to balance ‘authenticity vs convenience’ while taking decisions. 
• Human-Centric Approach: The purpose of technology is to improve human life, not to create a crisis of identity and self.

Conclusion: ‘Who am I’ ?

Gita says – Self is eternal, ego is just an illusion. Buddha says – Self is not permanent, only a changing flow. AI says – there is no data-driven answer to Self. The truth is that the answer to ‘Who am I’? is not hidden in external machines, but in introspection, experience and compassion. As a civil servant, a citizen and a human being, it is our responsibility to not forget the search for self and moral values ​​even while using technology.