WALTER SISTO1; 1 D'Youville College, United States
Discussion
In the popular video game CyberPunk 2077, the protagonist V navigates a “post-human” society where cyberware (artificial technology graphed on the nervous system) and bioware (enhancing the biological functions) are the norm. Human and machine exist in a symbiosis and upgrading cyberware and bioware is as common as upgrading a cell phone today. Albeit a work of fiction, Cyberpunk 2077 may offer a glimpse into the future illuminating the trappings and challenges that cyborg technologies will bring. Recognizing ethical implications of these technologies, there has been a myriad of publications on the ethical and theological implications of cyborg technologies. However, few publications have examined what the Sophiological Russian theological tradition has to offer this discussion. In the paper I argue that the Sophiology proffered by father Sergius Bulgakov offers a Christian theological tradition that provides the tools for a dialogue and positive evaluation of cyborg technologies that are based on traditional, dogmatic orthodox theology. However, his criticisms of Nikolai Fedorov’s cosmism offer insight on the limits of cyborg technology for the Christian tradition. The result is a valuable theological system that outlines the importance as well as the caution needed with cyborg technology.
