REALISM AND SCI-FI: CONTEXTUALIZING CONCEPTS OF THE BODY AND AI AGENCY IN EX-MACHINA

Resumo

The rise of artificial intelligence has transformed our concepts of reality and fiction as it relates to the human body. Fusions of bodies with technology are now raising ethical questions. Additional issues arise regarding artificially and emotionally intelligent robots, which is fodder for reflection about shared societal and cultural responsibility for the impacts of these advancements. This article offers an overview of body representations in these arenas, particularly the notion of “embodiment” as depicted in the film Ex-Machina. Consideration is given to the human/machine merge issue from progressive post-humanist critics. Counterpoints illustrate the fears and, thus, resistance that humans might mount to becoming post-humans. Between brave, bold, and bright-eyed portrayals and dark visions, suggestions are offered as to how humanity can accommodate the future by “working through” it. Ava, the protagonist cyborg of Ex-Machina, epitomizes what it is to be post-human when the hybrid transgresses boundaries that are commonly drawn in the humanist tradition. Drawing parallels to Judeo-Christian myth, it is possible to deconstruct several of the attitudes and behaviors of the Garden of Eden’s Eve and Ava, a programmed being who can, nonetheless, outsmart her captors and set herself free.