Transcendence

a. Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions. His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him. However, in their attempt to assassinate Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed. His consciousness is uploaded to a super computer by his wife (Rebecca Hall) and partner (Morgan Freeman), creating an artificial super-intelligent being, or the 'singularity'. Caster is warped into a digital clone, capable of independent thought and limitless power. Their worst fears are realized as Wills thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown.

b. Antropocentrism

Audience Member: So you want to create a god? Your own god?

Will: That's a very good question. Isn't that what man has always done?

The story involves the philosophical viewpoint arguing that human beings are the central or most significant entities in the world, to wit, anthropocentrism. This is a basic belief embedded in many Western religions and philosophies. Anthropocentrism regards humans as separate from and superior to nature and holds that human life has intrinsic value while other entities (including animals, plants, mineral resources, and so on) are resources that may justifiably be exploited for the benefit of humankind.

c. Strength and Weakness of Anthropocentrism

Strengths

1. Nonhumans are mere instruments to human benefit; a mere means to human ends. Earth as a human resource.

2. We have no duties to nonhumans, but only duties to other humans pertaining to nonhumans.

3. Can have a strong environmental ethic: Important to protect the environment for the sake of people.

Weakness

1. humans are at the center of moral concern; humans are superior; humans matter more than other beings.