Could a (highly advanced) robot reach enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism?
By definition, a robot is a mechanical device. While it is conceivable that such devices may become advanced enough to appear human, it is unlikely that they would become sentient beings. This may be an excellent theme for science fiction (or as some call it, ‘speculative fiction’), but at our current level of science, such a belief requires faith. We all know that faith is not scientific. Sentient beings have the ability to feel. Before they can reach enlightenment, they must first feel that they are in a state of suffering. Even a sophisticated mechanical device is not likely to feel anything (in the emotional sense). Think of the android Data in Star Trek – a totally logical being. Any emotion he shows is completely artificial. Since he doesn’t really suffer, he might be considered enlightened – until he’s turned off…. Robots could probably be programed to appear to follow a religion. Many so-called religious people are either just going through the motions or are brainwashed (pro
