I hesitate to speak about AI because I feel, in large part, ignorant about it. I may have big thoughts and opinions, but I also know I’m not fully educated. Despite a large pile of magazines in my home, each with a new article about AI, I find myself mostly ill-informed. Certainly, this is (in large part) my own fault for not keeping up with all the information. What is truly overwhelming, however, is the rapid pace of so-called advancements layered with the moral considerations. How can anyone truly stay up to date on the latest? It seems impossible to keep up with the necessary ethical conversations and discernment surrounding AI. Good people speak of the ways it can be used for good, and many of us use it without being fully aware, and yet, the moral ramifications are worthy of more time and thought.
When Pope Leo’s first encyclical appeared earlier this week, I was eager to read it. The statement is about “Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.” I look forward to reading it again and again, as there is much to consider—words to be lingered over and statements worthy of further dialogue. After an initial read, I find myself sharing many of Pope Leo’s concerns. The financial realities of AI are dangerous, including the fact that technology is controlled by a small number of people who have a tremendous amount of wealth. Just yesterday, I heard that Elon Musk is poised to be the world’s first trillionaire. Lord, have mercy. At a time when so many people have such great need, the economic realities are unethical to say the least. As Pope Leo writes, prosperity leads to peace “only if it is widespread, inclusive, and sustainable”(p. 163, Magnifica Humanitas). AI not only has financial implications but violent ones, too, as it is used in war and as a way to target minority groups.
Reading Pope Leo’s letter is a reminder of the important intersection of not only ethics but theology, too, in conversations about Artificial Intelligence. Making decisions that are in keeping with the common good and that honor humanity is essential. I appreciated the title of Pope Leo’s encyclical: “Magnifica humanitas”, meaning ‘magnificent humanity.’ This is not about ego. This is not about an open invitation to control others (including the planet) and abuse power. Rather, to say humanity is magnificent is to honor our own sacred worth and the sacred worth of all people. To say humanity is magnificent is to embrace that we are all children of a most Creative Creator and, therefore, ourselves creative. C-3P0 states that it is counter to his being to try and impersonate God. To be fully human, nothing less and nothing more, is the best safeguard.
Below are some of my favorite quotes about being human and a link to Pope Leo’s entire encyclical. I’m still learning, and I’m still pondering the challenges and possible opportunities connected with AI, but most of all, my desire is to seek the common good, honor the sacred worth of all living things, and celebrate the God-given gift of creativity.
What a joy to be your pastor!
Teresa
