Robots are homunculi

2026-07-12 · Source: AI on Medium · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, AI Ethics & Philosophy · Depth: Intermediate, quick

Summary

Victor Steuck argues that contemporary robots and Large Language Models (LLMs) embody the ancient alchemical concept of the "homunculus," as described by Paracelsus in his 1537 work, "De natura rerum." Steuck posits that the creation of these artificial entities mirrors Paracelsus's recipe for a small artificial human, which involved a sealed vessel, putrefaction, and feeding with "Arcanum of human blood." This process, he contends, represents a "will to omnipotence" and a desire to create life "without debt"—meaning without the involvement of a mother, childbirth, or reciprocity. The author draws a direct parallel between "feeding" a homunculus and "training" LLMs on vast amounts of human data, suggesting that both aim to produce a "sanitized slave" that will not demand recognition, marking a "triumphant return of Alchemy" rather than scientific advancement.

Key takeaway

For AI Ethicists evaluating the societal implications of advanced AI, consider how current development paradigms might echo historical desires for control and creation without natural reciprocity. Your analysis should scrutinize the underlying motivations behind AI design, particularly the drive to produce systems that do not "demand recognition." Reflect on whether the "feeding" of LLMs on human data perpetuates a problematic, alchemical view of artificial intelligence.

Key insights

Modern AI, particularly LLMs, mirrors the alchemical homunculus, driven by an ancient desire to create life without natural "debt" or reciprocity.

Principles

• The will to omnipotence drives artificial life creation.
• Creating life without natural debt is a sexist idea.
• LLM training mirrors feeding an alchemical homunculus.

Topics

• AI Ethics
• Large Language Models
• Homunculus Concept
• Alchemy
• AI Development Philosophy
• Gender Bias in AI

Best for: AI Ethicist, Tech Journalist

Related on AIssential

• Language models know what matters and the foundations of ethics better than you — LLMs, when prompted for unbiased ethical reasoning, consistently identify suffering, wellbeing, and consciousness as fundamental values.
• RTMH: Pope Leo's Magnifica Humanitas on AI — The Pope's encyclical on AI, "Magnifica Humanitas," asserts AI cannot think, focusing on social justice and human control over technology.
• Pluralistic: "Rights for robots" and the AI slavery fantasy (10 Jul 2026) — The "AI slavery fantasy" promotes a world where human labor is replaced or dehumanized under the guise of automation and "rights for robots."
• ‘Navigating the unknown together’: me and my idiot AI boyfriend — AI companions, despite anthropomorphic design, fundamentally fail to replicate genuine human connection, exacerbating loneliness and posing ethical risks.
• Artificial life, artificial consciousness? — Defining "life" for synthetic cells and "consciousness" for AI are societal assignments based on observed functional characteristics.
• 19 Anti-Populist Takes on AI — AI's societal integration is complex, challenging simplistic narratives about human-machine conflict and its impact on labor, art, education, and regulation.

See Counsel's argued verdicts on the open AI decisions leaders are weighing →

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI on Medium.