by Dr. Evelyn Stefanaki
The International Scientific Conference on Post-Humanism and Artificial Intelligence, Phaicon 2024, was hosted in Athens on the 18-21st of November in Divani Caravel Hotel. The immensely successful event was co-organised by Saint Maxim the Greek Institute and The Office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union.
With 3 extensive thematic areas, Artificial Intelligence, Trans-Humanism and Post-Humanism, Orthodox anthropology and pastoral care, the aim and purpose of the conference was that of the discussion of how artificial intelligence may be linked to human nature poses huge questions for the fields of ethics, anthropology, science, philosophy and theology. The important aspect of how Orthodox Christian Theology sees the current “Woke Culture” took central stage. The discussions were very open, with eminent speakers from UK, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, USA, Canada, Cyprus, Belarus, Lebanon, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Greece.
The democratic atmosphere was particularly pronounced during the speeches of invitees such as Marc Roux, who is the chairman of the French Union of Transhumanism, speaking of how Transhumanism can approach Christianity. Additionally, a “to-the-point” speech from David Wood, executive director of Longevity Escape Velocity – LEV, speaking of applying technology wisely will allow transhumanist flourishing, enabling superlongevity, superintelligence, superhappiness, superdemocracy and finally superabundance had an impact to the audience.
Archbishop Ephraim of Vatopedi. Nikos Gouraros from Pemptousia in photo too (centre).
Two more speeches of particular interest to the author, were those of my medical colleagues Dr. George Koios and Dr. Kostas Sfakianoudis speaking of human sex and identity according to medical science and ideal motherhood in the era of postmodernism. Needless to mention, the speech of Metropolitan Nikolaos of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki and the comments of Archimandrite Ephraim of Vatopedi made a particular sensation to audience and committees alike.
On Friday the 22nd of November, the Saint Maxim Institute held a separate special event for the Archbishop Zacharias of the Monastery of Essex, as a theologian author, the amphitheatre of the Athens College in Psychiko. This was followed by a delightful dinner event, held in Divani Caravel Hotel, for special guests and friends of the Vatopedi Monastery. Archbishop Zacharias accepted a gift from Achbishop Ephraim and gave an extremely humbling speech for this honour. The wines were produced in the Monastery itself and a wonderful light menu followed. The chorus of the Monastery sang during dinner time, traditional anthems making the atmosphere particularly emotional. Many guests, from the orthodox, scientific but also entertainment world were present.
From the speeches:
and Dr. Evelyn Stefanaki:
