The Holy See’s Reflections on Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a topic of discussion for many years, but it has recently captured public attention with the emergence of ChatGPT, a tool that puts AI capabilities in the hands of ordinary users. In response to this growing interest, the Dicastery for Culture and Education, along with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, released a document titled “Antiqua et Nova: Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence.”
The document aims to provide guidance for Catholic institutions and humanity as a whole on the ethical development and use of AI. In an interview with Vatican News, Bishop Paul Tighe emphasized that the document is not the final word on AI but rather a contribution to the ongoing debate.
One of the key points highlighted in the document is the need for collective responsibility in guiding the development of AI. While AI has the potential to enhance human capabilities in reasoning, processing, and innovation, it cannot replace the broader understanding of intelligence, which includes the human capacity to find purpose and meaning in life.
As AI technology continues to evolve rapidly, the release of this document at this moment is timely. It addresses the potential benefits of AI, such as advancements in healthcare, while also raising concerns about the risks of increased inequality and ethical misuse. The document encourages a balanced approach to AI, acknowledging its potential while also being cautious about its unintended consequences.
Ultimately, the document calls for a middle ground in approaching AI, neither embracing its potential without caution nor dismissing it as a threat. It emphasizes the importance of human responsibility in designing, developing, and using AI to ensure that it serves the common good and reflects the best of humanity.
As individuals, communities, and institutions engage with AI, the document highlights the importance of informed and critical exploration of this technology. It encourages users to be mindful of their responsibilities in using AI ethically and sustainably, and calls for interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in Catholic universities, to foster responsible development and use of AI.
By reflecting on the relationship between AI and human intelligence, the Holy See’s document serves as a guide for navigating the complex landscape of AI technology, urging humanity to approach its development with collective responsibility and a commitment to the common good.
