Charlotte Gargett is a Religions and Theology PhD research with the Lincoln Theologicial Institute. She completed her BA and MA previously with the Relgions and Theology department at The University of Manchester.

Can you provide an overview of your PhD project? 

Broadly speaking, my research is looking at what has been called ‘the fourth discontinuity.’ This is a problem wherein the boundary between ourselves as ‘human’ and the machines we have created has become blurred.

In other words, where does the human end and the machine start? Bruce Mazlish, the scholar behind the fourth discontinuity, argues that there is no such divide anymore and that we ought to accept this new continuity. I am re-addressing this problem but taking into account the influence of Christian theological anthropology on this issue. What I unearthed throughout my research is that the belief that humans are made in God’s image (imago dei) has promoted a distinct ‘human’ category with firm boundaries. This, I argue, is having a significant influence on the maintenance of the fourth discontinuity.

While the majority of my work is theoretical, it is important that I explore this because the fear and anxiety we are seeing directed at emerging technologies, namely artificial intelligence, can be seen as a reflection of the crumbling of this boundary, and fear of losing our ‘uniquely human’ identity.

My interest in the intersection between modern technologies and Christian theology first developed during my undergraduate studies when I learnt the importance of considering religion in relation to modern issues because, despite religions often being incredibly old, their impact on what goes on in our society is much more significant than people often realise. I began to notice this most strongly with emerging technologies.

When did your PhD interest first develop?

Back in 2020/21 when I did my BA dissertation, I focused on crystallising this in relation to smart technologies such as Alexa and Siri which, at the time, all had a female voice. I argued that looking at how Eve is presented in the Genesis accounts allows us to see that outdated attitudes towards women, namely subservience, are lingering in our technology. Throughout my MA I continued to write about technology in any way that I could. I also then realised that the impact of religion on technology can also be reversed, with technology impacting religion. This led me to write my MA dissertation on the implementation of robots into religious settings. Focusing specifically on a robot called ‘BlessU2’ I addressed the question of whether robots can provide authentic spiritual care.

Moving to my PhD took me away from concrete examples into the more theoretical and abstract. I noticed that the underlying issue that drove all of my previous work was how we determined the difference between what is human and what is technological. I felt that addressing this issue was the natural next step in my academic journey.

When did you first know you wanted to study a PhD? 

I always knew I wanted to get as far as I could in academia because I love learning. When I entered my BA back when I was 18, I knew a MA was something I wanted to achieve and I assumed this was the furthest I would be able to get. However, I then learned what a PhD was and set my sights on achieving this. I did worry that the love for my subject would dwindle, but it has only grown stronger, particularly during my MA course when I got a taste of the academic freedom that you have at PhD level. The specific content that I study follows on from a line of research that began to pursue back in my BA and have continued to hone in on.

I didn’t consider anywhere else for my PhD as I had developed my specific interests under the supervision of Dr Scott Midson, who has been guiding me throughout the entirety of my studies here at Manchester. It did not make sense for me to go elsewhere when his expertise is here. Additionally, Manchester has the robotics research institute, which is helpful for my specific interests. I also managed to secure full funding for my PhD so it seemed a wasted opportunity to let this go.

How do you communicate your research with the wider public?

I’ve done lots throughout my PhD to communicate my research. In my first year, I took part in widening participation which meant I was able to go into secondary schools and teach year 7-11 about the importance of studying religion. I always discussed a robot called ‘Sophia’ with them as my main example of this importance because it helped bridge the gap in their minds between science fiction and reality.

I have also taken advantage of many outreach opportunities available at the University, delivering presentations on my research to A-level students and creating workshops for Discover days.

I also attend The Society for the Study of Religion’s annual conference, wherein I network with others and share aspects of my research. I am hoping to present at their upcoming conference.

Charlotte’s PhD research takes place as part of the Lincoln Theological Institute Logo

What qualities are essential for future researchers? 

• Self-discipline
• Motivation
• Strong organisational skills
• Passion for your subject
• Researching skills
• Writing skills
• The ability to sit and read for hours on end
• Routine
• Communication skills
• Willingness to accept criticism
• Actively seeking self-improvement

My advice would be to take advantage of any opportunities that come up, whether these be training sessions, outreach sessions, or even conferences. Anything like this helps you improve yourself as a researcher.

Be willing to accept that at times you might be wrong, hit a dead end, need to make changes you don’t want to make, or even feel like all you are doing is no longer worth doing.

Doing a PhD is not a simple, linear progression. It takes twists and turns, has highs and lows. It is important that you face them head on and don’t let it deter you.

Make sure you really love what you are doing. As mentioned above, there are challenges ahead. You need your passion to be strong enough to withstand these challenges otherwise you’ll just want to drop out and give up.

What have you most enjoyed about your PhD experience so far? 

I’ve loved going to conferences as I’ve learned so much and made so many friends from different universities across the country.

I was a GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistant) in my second year and I absolutely loved that. It solidified my passion for teaching.

Most importantly, I have learnt that I am more than just a PhD student. It sounds silly but it took me some time to realise that doing this PhD is a fleeting part of my life, rather than my whole life. This was quite liberating. 

I’ve solidified that I am a big fan of conclusions that help people in ways they can understand.

I really love teaching others. Not only do I thrive with routine but it is actually necessary for me to function.

The challenges so far? 

The main challenge I have faced has been the lack of routine. Up until this point I have always had a school/uni timetable to work from, but at PhD level your time is entirely your own. I struggled waking up on time because I didn’t have to, I didn’t go to bed on time for the same reason. I’d take a day off because why not? I ended up finding doing my work really hard because I had no set things going on in my life for me to orient myself around. Committing to gym and yoga classes really helped with this, as has my Saturday job. I also shared my struggles with my supervisor so now we have set fortnightly meetings, within which we set mini work deadlines. Under this little routine I created I have been able to thrive.

Finally:

Best piece of life advice you’ve received? 

‘Just stop being stressed’ – My A-level psychology teacher. Sounds stupid, but once you realise that stress isn’t helping the situation, it helps you be much more level headed.

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