Feb 26 Wed
What is the Church's position on the use of AI?
The Church's position on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is rooted in her commitment to uphold human dignity and promote the common good. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education have articulated a comprehensive framework regarding the ethical implications of AI, emphasizing that technology must serve humanity rather than undermine it.
Ethical Framework.
Human Dignity: The Church asserts that the intrinsic dignity of every person must be the primary criterion in evaluating the ethical implications of AI. Technologies, including AI, are deemed ethically sound to the extent that they respect and enhance human dignity at all levels of life, including social and economic spheres.
This perspective aligns with the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, which emphasizes that social order and its development should benefit the human person.
Common Good: AI should be directed towards the common good, fostering human freedom, responsibility, and fraternity. Pope Francis has highlighted the need for an ethic that promotes the full development of individuals in relation to others and to the whole of creation.
The Church warns against the "technocratic pattern," which views all problems as solvable solely through technological means, often at the expense of human dignity and social justice.
We must take into account that other levels exist, and, above all, that to solve some problems we need the help of God’s grace.
Moral Responsibility: The Church's moral and social teachings provide guidance to ensure that AI is used in ways that preserve human activity and promote justice. This includes considerations of international security and peace, as well as the responsibility to care for others.
The concept of responsibility extends beyond mere accountability for outcomes; it encompasses a broader duty to ensure that technology serves the well-being of individuals and communities.
Applications and Discernment.
The Church recognizes that AI, like any product of human creativity, can be directed towards both positive and negative ends. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating the ends and means of AI applications to ensure they align with the promotion of human dignity and the common good.
This discernment is crucial, especially in contexts where AI might be applied in military or defense scenarios, where ethical scrutiny is paramount to prevent threats to human life and dignity.
Conclusion.
In summary, the Church advocates for a responsible and ethical approach to the development and use of AI, emphasizing that it must always support and promote the dignity of every human being. The commitment to discernment at all levels of society is essential to ensure that AI contributes positively to the human vocation and the common good.
As the implications of AI continue to evolve, the Church calls for ongoing reflection and dialogue to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology.
You may want to consult: The Old and the New: Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence.
Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education
2025 AD
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