Every year, the pope presents his World Day of Peace message during a time of heightened global activity rather than tranquility. These missives, disseminated in the days leading up to Christmas and in anticipation of the New Year, often go unnoticed. The message for this year, focusing on artificial intelligence, holds significant importance that should not be disregarded.
The term “artificial intelligence” itself carries a certain irony. By referring to it in the plural as “forms of intelligence,” the pope underscores the vast disparity between these sophisticated yet limited systems and the human individual. Essentially, these systems are merely “fragmentary,” capable of imitating or replicating specific aspects of human intelligence. In essence, artificial intelligence is a product of human ingenuity; it did not birth us, but rather, we birthed it.
Reflecting on these words brought to mind my former philosophy professor, Professor Paul Weiss. He once posited in his metaphysics lectures that if cognition defines our essence, then computers too might engage in cognitive processes. He illustrated this concept by stating, “A computer can simply place a period at the end of a sentence; it can mark time. It remains indifferent to whether that time corresponds to the capitalization at the beginning of a sentence, akin to the unconventional style of the esteemed poet E. E. Cummings.” Decades later, these reflections still resonate with me as freshly articulated ideas.
The realm of information technology, akin to the emotional depth evoked by poets, possesses a deceptive quality despite lacking the inventive flair of a poet. The pope warns that “technologies utilizing diverse algorithms harvest data from the vast digital trails scattered across the internet to shape and influence cognitive and behavioral patterns for commercial or political ends, often unbeknownst to us, thereby constricting our conscious exercise of free will. These technologies can manipulate the flow of information based on selection criteria not readily discernible to individuals navigating a digital landscape marked by information overload.”
The term “power” emerges prominently in this discourse. While our understanding of information technologies may be limited, and our awareness of how they impact our ethical decision-making even more so, we have grown reliant on these technologies for a multitude of tasks.
The issue of information overload looms large, presenting a near-insurmountable challenge. If computers indeed execute tasks as programmed, then our participation in contemporary society necessitates reliance on servers and social media platforms that disseminate pre-programmed information. Moreover, the intentions and intellectual pursuits of those developing such programs often remain veiled from the end-users. Accountability, although desirable, remains lacking. How many individuals, engrossed in seeking essential information, spare a moment to peruse the disclosures? Information differs from tangible goods; one can wash dishes by hand or forego a microwave, but access to information, especially in the digital age, is indispensable.
The bishop offers recommendations for addressing the challenges posed by AI through a historical lens. He advocates for “a responsible advancement in shaping the future trajectory of technology.” When individuals succumb to the allure of greed, self-interest, profit motives, and power dynamics, the foundational principles of freedom and harmonious coexistence are jeopardized. The unity binding us as members of a shared global community, along with the inherent dignity accorded to every individual, must underpin the development and evaluation of new technologies. This approach ensures that technological progress aligns with principles of fairness and contributes to the pursuit of peace.
The message underscores a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding AI and other cutting-edge technologies. The bishop expresses concern over the deployment of artificial intelligence in disinformation campaigns, leading to a proliferation of fake news and a growing distrust in media channels. He also highlights the adverse consequences of these technologies, including discrimination, electoral interference, the emergence of a surveillance society, social exclusion, and the exacerbation of individualism at the expense of societal cohesion.
Pope Francis reiterates his apprehensions regarding technological paradigms, echoing sentiments expressed in Laudato Si nine years ago. He cautions against the hubris of attempting to control everything through technology, warning of the perils of descending into a “technological dictatorship” that seeks fulfillment through dominance. As industrial applications of artificial intelligence encroach upon tasks traditionally performed by human labor, there arises a pressing need for the international community to prioritize the dignity of workers, the value of labor in societal well-being, job security, and fair wages.
Addressing these risks demands global action. However, the question of who will spearhead this initiative and how it will unfold remains more enigmatic than the answer itself. The pope calls upon the global community of nations to collaborate in establishing a binding international treaty governing the creation and utilization of artificial intelligence in all its manifestations. While the United Nations’ track record in conflict prevention may not inspire unwavering confidence in its ability to address AI-related challenges, the recent efforts of the European Union and bipartisan initiatives in the United States signal a growing recognition of the need for regulatory frameworks.
The bishop’s incisive analysis in this document should be regarded with greater significance than mere rhetoric, as he bears no responsibility for the systemic dysfunctions in global politics. Pope Francis’ astute ability to dissect complex issues and delineate the ethical quandaries they present underscores his intellectual acumen.
While comprehending AI poses a formidable challenge, recognizing the imperative to govern its development does not. AI may execute tasks as instructed, yet its efficiency outpaces the cognitive capacity of our minds. This discrepancy may evoke unease, as AI compensates for its lack of originality with unparalleled efficacy. However, the crux of the matter lies in humanity’s capacity for social progress lagging behind its technological advancements. Pope Francis issues a clarion call, outlining the challenges, and charting a humanitarian course of action. Whether our societies and cultures can navigate this trajectory remains the pivotal question.
