Advances in Artificial Intelligence Technologies

Advances in Artificial Intelligence Technologies
and their Impact on Human Agency from a Catholic Perspective

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are rapidly evolving and generating significant challenges in society, challenging human agency, relationships, privacy, daily life and reshaping warfare. Today, advances in Gen AI and Large Language Models are the enablers that fuel AI technological advances and present challenges to human
relationships, cultural diversity and individual agency. This presentation will explore the relationship between advances in AI technology  and the human individual. The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, together with the Dicastery for Culture and Education’s recent document, ANTIQUA et NOVA (January, 2025),
discusses the potential impact of advances in Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence. This document presents Pope Francis’ concerns regarding the potential impact of advances in AI technologies on human intelligence, human agency, and our relationship with God and each other.

Technology is designed to support human decision making, especially as the information age has exploded upon us via the internet. It is obvious that there are numerous advantages to such advances in AI across the medical, legal and military communities. Pope Francis affirms that there is a need to maintain a balance regarding seeking the benefits of advances in technology that support humanity and society, while maintaining an awareness of the potential for its misuse.

Human endeavors should be supported by technology to enable humans to flourish and grow in our relationships with each other. Humans are meant to utilize technology rather than become its servants. To this end, it is up to humans to maintain their agency and remain aware of the slippery slope of co-dependence on technologies that lead us away from each other and God.
AI advances will impact every part of society and human endeavor. However, it should not homogenize humanity and society as a whole. Rather, the collective nature of human individuality, cultural diversity and freedom of thought, should be maintained to ensure human agency.
This presentation will highlight these challenges to society and introduce you to the impact of AI advances on human agency and relationships.

Check in will start at 1:45 PM. The presentation will begin at 2 PM. There will be time for questions and answers at the end.