Between Silicon and Soul - Part 3
A three-part series on AI, ethics, looking back at what it means to be a human person from the lens of faith.
On January 22nd, I gave a keynote on AI at the Annual Meeting of the Gulf Churches Fellowship (GCF) in Dubai. The focus of the meeting was “Faithful Christian Responses to New Technology and Artificial Intelligence.”
I have been fascinated by the fantastic contributions that various faiths and religions worldwide make to the debates on ethical development and the use of AI and advanced technologies. While I will use follow-up re-stacks to point you to such contributions, I want to share what I said at the GCF annual meeting. I hope to hear your thoughts through comments or emailing me back.
In Part 1, I introduced the main thread of the speech: the aspiration to get a deeper understanding of what the human person is. Then, I went through an introduction to explain what AI is.
In Part 2, I explored how modern choices shape our paths and questioned whether algorithms enhance our freedom.
Here’s the third and last part, where I want to dive deeper into the theme of freedom and reconnect it to Psalm 8 words, the starting point of the speech. This piece is quite personal, as I share my beliefs and faith journey.
Enjoy!
Third story.
It is not a personal one this time, but a piece of news that struck me while I was researching the risks posed by AI systems for a client. This story concerns companies in the gig economy, like Deliveroo, using algorithmic automation to optimize their drivers' schedules. These algorithms can be incredibly efficient, but they also treat drivers in a highly controlled and demanding manner. If a driver fails to respond quickly or encounters issues during a delivery, the algorithm may mark them as unreliable, leading to stressful and unfair work conditions.
This situation unfolded dramatically in Italy, where a union sued Deliveroo for unfair labor practices and won. This victory underlines a crucial issue in using AI: balancing capital efficiency and human rights.
I witnessed a similar obsession with performance reviews at Tesla and in many other corporations, especially in the tech industry. This constant drive for efficiency often reduced people to mere cogs in a machine, neglecting their human needs and rights.
This brings to mind an interview with Paolo Benanti that I read recently. Benanti is a theologian of the Third Regular Order of Saint Francis. He teaches at the Pontifical Gregorian University and Seattle University and is an advisor to Pope Francis on the topics of artificial intelligence and the ethics of technology. In that interview, he stated:
“During my research journey, carried out partly at Georgetown University in the United States, I was able to highlight a subtle challenge that was gradually becoming more intense and profound: in technological evolution, there was a sort of front between a machine, which seemed to humanize itself more and more every day, and a man, who seemed to understand himself more and more like a machine. Some great technologies–such as nanotechnologies, artificial intelligence, and biotechnologies–by virtue of some perspectives of posthuman thought, began to be understood as a way to ‘improve’ man, considered as a defective machine we ought to ‘fix’.”
This perspective raises a profound question about the nature of human freedom in the age of AI. Are we gaining more freedom through technology, or are we losing it? The story of the gig workers and the corporate culture obsessed with performance suggest that our understanding of freedom is being challenged. We seem to be oscillating between two extremes: on the one hand, an unbridled pursuit of freedom; on the other, a willingness to relinquish it for efficiency or convenience.
As we continue integrating AI into our lives, we must critically examine these trends and their implications for human dignity and freedom.
In a thought-provoking essay by Father Paolo Prosperi, a missionary priest and professor of patristics, he delves into the 'ecology of the human person' in our technologized world. His insights on freedom are particularly illuminating in the context of our discussion.
According to modern liberalism, as Father Prosperi outlines, man's essence is defined by freedom of choice or self-determination. He critiques this view as one of the most arrogantly conceived ideas in human history. To claim 'I decide what I am' is tantamount to declaring oneself as one's own god. This perspective represents one extreme of the spectrum of freedom: unlimited freedom up to the point of defining itself and saving itself.
On the other hand, we often fear the power of choice due to the potential of making wrong decisions. Consequently, we create algorithms to make choices for us, falsely assuming these algorithms to be neutral and superior in decision-making. This belief implies a distrust in human capability to make sound choices, essentially viewing human freedom as unreliable. However, this perspective overlooks a critical point: the choice to use an algorithm is, in itself, a human decision. Benanti’s observations remind us that technology, especially in the realm of AI, is often seen as a tool to 'fix' the perceived flaws in humans. This view represents the belief in total control by algorithms, assuming that human freedom is too flawed to be trusted.
Between these two extremes – the belief in absolute self-determination and the reliance on total algorithmic control – lies a more nuanced understanding of human freedom.
This is the freedom that I learned in my Christian formation. And eventually, what attracted me and attracts me today to follow Christ. This is a freedom that is connected with responsibility. It's not just about making choices. It's about making responsible choices and understanding the implications of our decisions both for ourselves and the broader community. When I exercise my greatest power, my freedom, I am responsible toward my creator. “Anything you did for even the least of my brothers here, you also did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) —The responsibility toward my neighbor.
As we navigate this era of rapid technological advancement, we must ask ourselves: What does responsible freedom look like? How do we balance our innate desire for autonomy with the ethical use of technology? These are the questions that lie at the heart of our discussion.
Father Prosperi presents a compelling argument about the inevitable alliance between technology and liberalism:
“One promotes the other, and at the same time, one needs the other to self-promote. On the one hand, it is only thanks to technological progress that man can expand his power over nature and, therefore, enjoy the thrill of an increasingly radical freedom from its limits. On the other hand, we must ask ourselves whether technological progress itself, in the form we know it, is a neutral phenomenon or is itself informed by a titanic will to Power, which is its driving force.”
So, what is the solution? How do we navigate this pervasive liberalism that technology seems to further? Father Prosperi offers an intriguing answer: the creativity of the contemplative. He echoes Dostoyevsky's belief that “beauty will save the world.” The contemplation of beauty, an element immune to any form of power, bridges the gap between the pursuit of grandeur and the responsibility towards the entirety of reality.
In confronting these themes, I propose three critical approaches: judgment, education, and pursuing beauty.
Firstly, to judge. This means diving deep into understanding AI and its impact on our conception of intelligence, as we have started doing today. We must recognize the dangers of rapid, unreflected technological advancement and reaffirm the importance of human-centered work. As people of faith and goodwill, we shall keep seeking a deeper understanding of the human person and the role of freedom and free will, and it's our responsibility to share this understanding.
Secondly, education is vital. We are reminded that God created humans with the ability to choose. This ability isn't just about making decisions; it's about making informed, ethical, and responsible choices. Education, in this context, is not just academic learning but also spiritual and ethical formation, equipping us to navigate a world increasingly intertwined with technology.
And lastly, the pursuit of beauty. This involves actively seeking ways to use technology to serve humanity, not at its expense. It's about leveraging our understanding of beauty, freedom, and responsibility to guide our use of technology in ways that uplift, rather than diminish, the human spirit. It also means seeking silence, contemplation, and detachment from technology. For instance, the contemplation and enjoyment of nature and the reality as it has been given to us.
These three approaches – judgment, education, and the pursuit of beauty – form a framework for navigating the complex interplay between technology, freedom, and responsibility. They guide us in making choices that are not just technologically advanced but also ethically sound and spiritually grounded.
Our ability to make decisions independently, our free will, is a fundamental aspect of being human. However, as Christians, we recognize that this freedom is somewhat compromised by sin. Yet, the capacity for moral choice remains a crucial element of our freedom. This is where our contemporary culture and Christian teaching intersect and often diverge.
Consider the portrayal of evil in modern movies, which I admit to watching quite frequently. Over the past 15 to 20 years, there's been a noticeable shift in how evil is depicted. Rarely is a character entirely evil; instead, their actions are often explained or rationalized. This trend reflects a broader cultural tendency to seek logical explanations for evil behavior, almost coming to terms with it. The underlying message seems to be that if we can understand the reasons behind evil, we might not need salvation. This perspective aligns with the notion of man as his own god, capable of self-redemption.
However, from a Christian standpoint, we understand that our nature is flawed and needs salvation. Christian teachings emphasize that true freedom is found through salvation in Jesus Christ. This salvation is not just a theological concept; it liberates us from the bondage of sin and death, restoring us to a state of grace and freedom in the eyes of God.
In this light, humans, endowed with freedom, are responsible for their choices and actions. Modern culture's attempt to eliminate the concept of sin doesn't negate our need for redemption; instead, it highlights the importance of understanding and witnessing the transformative power of Christ's salvation.
As we navigate a world increasingly shaped by technology and changing cultural narratives, we must remember this Christian perspective on freedom and salvation. It challenges us to reflect on our choices and actions, not just as independent agents but as individuals in need of grace and redemption.
As we near the end of our journey today, let's reflect on the moral responsibilities that accompany our freedom, responsibilities deeply rooted in Christian values. This responsibility extends to our engagement with technology, encompassing social justice, liberation from oppression, and the upholding of every individual's dignity. It's imperative that we, as a community, advocate for the appropriate use of technology, always mindful of the inherent value and sanctity of human life, far surpassing any machine.
In discussing freedom, it's crucial to recognize that true freedom has its boundaries. It is oriented towards the good and the true. Choices that deviate from the righteous path can be seen as misuses of freedom. Our responsibility is to wisely steward this gift, using our freedom to foster goodness and truth in the world.
Let's revisit the words of Psalm 8, which beautifully encapsulates our place in the grand scheme of creation:
“Yet you have made them a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet.”
This passage reminds us of our unique role and the immense responsibility that comes with it.
Our faith shines a light on the essence of humanity, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, reminding us of our worth and the care we owe to each other and the world.
As we conclude, I invite you to join me in a moment of contemplation of the beauty that Terrence Malick, one of the most talented cinema directors, was able to capture in 'The Tree of Life.’
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At the event, I played only the first clip, but I recommend a) watching the entire movie or b) Looking at the sequences of the creation of the universe and the origin of life.
You’ll thank me later ;)