Artificial intelligence challenges us in that it touches people’s lives, social relationships and it shapes the future.” Father Andrea Ciucci, Coordinating Secretary of the Pontifical Academy for Life and Secretary General of the Vatican’s RenAIssance Foundation, shares his reflections on the Note “Antiqua et nova” released by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education. The document explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence: “It is an invitation to serve humanity with humility and courage, to build a future on a human scale.”
At the heart of the note is the question of the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence. The question stems from our choice of words. Because technology has been called “intelligence”, the comparison with human intelligence is inevitable. However, as the note points out, this analogy is in many ways inappropriate, in fact it is a conceptual debt. I have consistently argued that it was the wrong word from the start. People wonder: “If it’s intelligent, is it like me or different from me?”
The Note offers an extraordinary insight into human intelligence, which is among its finest features. It reminds us of how wonderful it is to be in this world and to be able to do things.
Which characteristics distinguish human intelligence from artificial intelligence?
Two aspects are particularly important. The first is corporeality: human intelligence is embodied. The mind needs a body and a brain to function. We live and think in our bodies in contrast to digital systems which, however sophisticated, are disconnected from this dimension. The second is relationality:
It is in relationships that human intelligence is born, grows and develops.
This aspect has strong implications, as the Note points out, reminding us of our responsibility for the common good and the common home.
What is the reason for the Church’s growing attention towards artificial intelligence over the past few years?
The Church is concerned about this technology because of its significant impact on people’s lives and on social relationships. We, members of the Christian community, cannot ignore the tools that will shape our near future. Without prejudice to artificial intelligence, and without apocalyptic or irenic concerns, we are reflecting with healthy realism on how best to promote an ethical and responsible use of these technologies.
The Note likewise addresses the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in different areas of life.
The Note provides a comprehensive overview, highlighting the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence systems.
Risks include social and environmental impacts and lack of accountability. But the Vatican document also highlights the potential benefits, for example in the fields of healthcare, education and security.
It’s a delicate balance, but the focus must always be on accountability.
Is the global race for AI one of the geopolitical drivers?
There is a widespread assumption that technology can solve all problems. This leads to competitive approaches between nations and global players. However, because artificial intelligence is global and it develops rapidly, nationalistic approaches are proving inadequate. A global phenomenon cannot be tackled with a “me first” approach. There is a need for dialogue at the global level, even though the main multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, are currently undergoing a serious crisis.
Is there a risk of unequal access to these technologies?
This is not just a risk. In fact, it is already happening. Technologies that were supposed to bring more justice and freedom have often increased inequalities.
We have to be careful that they don’t become instruments of exclusion, but rather opportunities for the promotion of human dignity and equality.
The Note concludes with a quote from John Paul II that addresses the fundamental question: ‘Whether in the context of this progress man, as man, is becoming truly better, that is to say, more mature spiritually, more aware of the dignity of his humanity, more responsible, more open to others, especially the neediest and the weakest, and readier to give and to aid all.”
This quote is at the heart of the fundamental question: does the advancement of technology really make man more human? The Vatican Note is not just an invitation for us to become “better persons”: it calls for serious and concrete action to be taken. As believers, we are called to serve humanity with humility and courage, while at the same time contributing to dialogue in the fields of science, politics and law. We are called to inhabit these places responsibly, serving the common good.