Pope Leo recently released his first encyclical (a pastoral letter) “The Greatness of Humanity.” It is a critical analysis of AI and the challenges it presents to civilization. In it he presents how the world can benefit by correctly using this modern technology and the necessity of safeguarding against its inherent dangers.
Interestingly, almost coinciding with the encyclicals release, a number of this Spring’s Commencement speakers who dared to mention AI in their addresses to graduates were booed off the stage.
I believe the response of the graduates would have been very different if the speakers had had the opportunity of incorporating the pope’s insights in their remarks.
My premise is based on the fact that, when Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak spoke at Grand Valley State University, in Michigan, about AI his remarks were well received. By changing the abbreviation AI commonly understood to mean “Artificial Intelligence” to “Actual Intelligence,” he recognized the need for human genius and heart in using the new technology. This allayed the fears of many students who feel threatened by the uncertainty of future employment that AI portends. But, on a deeper unarticulated level, the real fear is a for the possible loss of their value as persons. Perhaps Wozniak’s most poignant remark was a recognition of the uniqueness of humans. He said, “My entire life in the technical world I’ve been following people who were trying to make a brain, and I was with one company where the engineers figured out: [it] takes nine months.”
In “Magnifica Humanitas” Pope Leo addresses these concerns.
The teaching emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the dignity of the human person in the age of AI. Leo said, the use of AI requires moral discernment and control so that humans are not simply reduced to data which provide algorithms for human behavior devoid of conscience and critical thinking. He especially emphasizes that AI must be “disarmed” in areas such as the conduct of war, the allocation of health care, and the global distribution of goods, which he cautions could subordinate humans to machines controlled by a few elites.
The pope believes that despite the caveats AI can be used for the common good of humanity. He states, this technology should serve “human flourishing and human dignity, not control consciences.”
This encyclical should be studied by all religious groups, government leaders, big business, hi-tech companies and anyone concerned about the future of humanity.
Rev. Michael P. Orsi of Naples is senior advisor to Action for Life Florida and host of “A Conversation with Father Orsi,” a weekly television series that delves into current events with a focus on sanctity of life issues. His writings appear in numerous publications and online journals.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Pope Leo believes AI can be used for the common good | Opinion
Reporting by Reverend Michael P. Orsi / Fort Myers News-Press
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