Page - 262 - in Limina - Grazer theologische Perspektiven, Volume 2:2

263 | Call for Papers – LIMINA 3:2 (Autumn 2020) Digital Transformation Philosophical and theological approaches LIMINA Grazer theologische Perspektiven | 2:2, 2019 | www.limina-graz.eu The “digital transformation” is an unstoppable force of power that has be- come an omnipresent element in contemporary culture. It poses the ques- tion in how far philosophy and in particular theology can respond to core aspects of this transformation. LIMINA 3:2 aims to provide a synopsis of selected topics pertinent to our high-tech, information-based civilisation. It critically investigates the transformation of individual and collective norms of humanity in the wake of the digital age. Especially from a theo- logical perspective, the subject of digitisation cannot be fully understood solely through a (socio-)ethical, technological or political lens. Therefore, LIMINA endeavours to explore the following issues: ̟ Ontology:  How does digital content “exist”? How is the existence of empirical reality different from digital reality? Can digital copy be classed in a hierarchy of being? If so, which one and where? ̟ Creation: How can digitalisation-related discourses on the creation of digital worlds, digital intelligence and human-like machines be approached philosophically and theologically? Is it just science fiction or does it herald a new self-empowerment of humans as a second creator? ̟ Eschatology: In Christian theology, the consummation of human- kind and the world is in God’s hands. In contrast, digitality and technology open up ways (of thinking, for now) towards self-con- summation, immortality and salvation, for example in posthu- manism. What does this mean from a theological viewpoint? Does this not establish new elites in opposition to a newly formed massa damnata, which is excluded from the digital paradise through lack of resources, knowledge and skills? Translation: Dagmar Astleitner MA PRISM Translations, London