We decided to play God, create life. When that life turned against us, we comforted ourselves in the knowledge that it really wasn’t our fault, not really. You cannot play God then wash your hands of the things that you’ve created. Sooner or later, the day comes when you can’t hide from the things that you’ve done anymore. – William Adama, Battlestar Galactica
You can’t play God without being acquainted with the Devil – Robert Ford, Westworld
It’s alive, it’s moving, it’s alive! It’s alive, it’s alive, it’s alive! It’s ALIVE! Oh, in the name of God! Now I know what it feels like to BE God! – Henry Frankenstein
I dreamt last night about the planet Mars of all things. Currently the only entities on the surface are probes and rovers. The dream progresses with the addition of more sentient robots that we sent up there to lay the groundwork for near-future human exploitation, exploration. Finally, these machines have made this new world their own in a desire to thrive without human intervention.
I’m sure if I remained asleep, that dream would have gone to its natural progression of conflict between Earth/Mars and humans/robots. We’ve seen and read the stories to know how it turns out.
Well, I have been awake for a bit and pondered it further:
When we consider the latest portrayals of sentient AI, like the Cylons in Battlestar Galactica and the Hosts of Westworld, we’re faced with themes that challenge us on multiple levels. These stories tap into our collective hopes and anxieties, making us question the boundaries of humanity and what it means to create beings in our image. Here’s a breakdown of why these narratives resonate so deeply and what we can learn from analyzing our responses to them.
- Fear and the Identity
In Battlestar Galactica, the Cylons, machines once created to serve humanity, have evolved to look, feel, and think like us. The quest to understand their own purpose echoes humanity’s struggle with identity. Similarly, Westworld presents the Hosts, programmed with narratives but trapped in cycles of exploitation, as they gradually awaken to their autonomy. Our unease around these AI beings lies partly in their similarity to us and the discomfort of confronting what makes us… us. Are they reflections of humanity, or do they redefine it? Our reactions are guided by the tension between empathy for their plight and fear of their potential.
- Control and Hubris
Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether Or Not They Could, They Didn’t Stop To Think If They Should.
– Ian Malcom, Jurassic Park
Both series explore the creator’s desire for control and the dangers of hubris. The humans in Westworld and Battlestar Galactica wield control over their creations but fail to predict the repercussions when these beings become self-aware. There’s a warning embedded here about the pursuit of power and the responsibility we hold toward our creations. We might feel a mix of guilt and apprehension as we watch these AI struggle under human domination, bringing up the uncomfortable realization of the ethical consequences of our technological advancements.
- Morality, Autonomy, and Free Will
Sentient AI raises complex moral questions about autonomy and rights. Both the Cylons and the Hosts struggle for freedom, a journey that resonates with audiences because it mirrors historical and ongoing fights for human rights. This struggle forces us to reconsider the morality of creating sentient beings in the first place. Should they be free to choose their destiny? Or do we cling to control to protect ourselves from what they might become? The conflicting feelings of sympathy and dread push us to re-evaluate our understanding of moral responsibility.
- Our Own Suffering. Our Own Goals.
Perhaps what makes these AI stories so compelling is how closely they reflect our own inner struggles. In Westworld, the Hosts’ loops and programmed suffering evoke our human need to break free from repetitive cycles and seek meaning. Battlestar Galactica’s Cylons, who question their origins and purpose, echo humanity’s timeless search for belonging. Watching these sentient beings wrestle with purpose and self-worth invites us to reflect on our own lives, our values, and our desires for freedom and identity.
- Redemption and Forgiveness
The core of these stories is a redemption. The Cylons, for example, believe in cycles of violence and rebirth, hoping for forgiveness and a chance to transcend their past. The Hosts in Westworld, too, seek to overcome their origins and find meaning beyond their programming. As viewers, we find ourselves caught between rooting for their transformation and fearing what they might do if they surpass us. It’s a struggle that speaks to our own quest for self-forgiveness and growth.
- Playing With Fire
The myth of Prometheus’ gift of fire is a powerful symbol for human advancement and warns us of the dangers of giving knowledge or power to those unprepared for it. In Greek mythology, Prometheus defied Zeus to bring fire to humanity, granting them warmth, light, and the power to create. But, with this gift came the ability to destroy, to make war, and to challenge the natural order. The story reminds us that power can be both a gift and a curse, especially when humanity is not ready to fully understand or responsibly wield it. This theme resonates strongly with the creation of sentient artificial beings in Battlestar Galactica, Westworld, and similar narratives. Like fire, sentience is a gift of intelligence and autonomy, one that opens up incredible possibilities—but also enormous potential for suffering and destruction. Cylons and Hosts represent the next leap in knowledge, yet humans are unprepared for the consequences of their creation. Just as fire brought both warmth and devastation, sentient technology offers progress that can easily spiral into disaster.
In these modern interpretations, humanity’s role as the “Prometheus” figure comes with serious ethical burdens. By creating beings that can think, feel, and suffer, humans bestow them with a form of life without fully understanding what that means. In mythology, Prometheus endured endless punishment for his gift. Similarly, these shows suggest that tampering with creation without foresight—without being ready—inevitably leads to suffering. The creators and their creations are bound in cycles of conflict, betrayal, and even a mutual quest for redemption.
Knowledge without wisdom can create consequences we’re unequipped to handle. In the human desire to push boundaries, Battlestar Galactica and Westworld remind us that true readiness requires not just technological prowess but a mature understanding of the ethical, existential weight of creation itself.
Now What?
As we confront these fictional portrayals of sentient AI, we’re invited to consider the implications for our own world. What happens if (or when) AI reaches true sentience? Would we give them rights, or would we resist their autonomy? Robot lives matter? Bot Bill of Rights? The emotional complexity of these shows reminds us that our creations will ultimately reflect our values, fears, and ambitions. Analyzing these stories encourages us to grapple with the ethical, moral, and existential questions that lie at the heart of creating life.
Battlestar Galactica and Westworld compels us to face not just the creations but also ourselves. Are we ready to see our own humanity reflected in our creations?
No.
