This philosophical inquiry is particularly relevant today as we witness the rise of sophisticated AI technologies that challenge our understanding of identity and reality.

In educational settings, students are engaging with AI as conversational partners, which adds a layer of complexity to our interactions with these technologies.

However, there are growing concerns about the psychological effects of such interactions, with reports linking generative AI engagement to mental health crises, including delusions and psychosis.

The article emphasizes the necessity of confronting these issues to maintain our 'inner reality' and avoid becoming mere components of a potentially malevolent technological system.

Cormac McCarthy's novel 'Blood Meridian' serves as a literary backdrop for these discussions, particularly its ending, which illustrates the tension between human creation and the machines we build.

In the novel, a technician's actions are likened to a mechanical process, raising questions about whether humans are creators of machines or merely servants to them.

This narrative contrasts the violent themes of the novel with the idea of machines gaining power over humanity, prompting reflection on our role as creators versus our potential subservience.

A character in the story suggests that humanity's capacity for evil is linked to our ability to create autonomous machines, contributing to cycles of violence and exploitation.

Historian D. Graham Burnett shares insights from his classroom experiences, highlighting the profound interactions students have with generative AI, likening it to the birth of a new kind of creature.

Ultimately, Manoussakis urges a careful examination of our relationship with technology, as we navigate the complexities of identity in an increasingly automated world.

Philosopher John Manoussakis raises critical questions about the definitions of life and humanity as machines become increasingly capable of reproduction and adaptation.

He draws on Norbert Wiener's theories of cybernetics, suggesting that machines can learn and evolve, thus blurring the lines between human and mechanical existence.