-By Deborah Castellano Lubov
Pope Francis has applauded the benefits of technology
and artificial intelligence, when used for the common good, but has warned
against using AI unethically or irresponsibly.
He did so when addressing the 'Minerva Dialogues,' a
high-level annual gathering of scientists and experts, organized by the
Vatican's Dicastery for Education and Culture, on Monday in the Vatican.
The assembly brings together experts from the world of
technology – scientists, engineers, business leaders, lawyers and philosophers
-and representatives of the Church – curial officials, theologians and
ethicists – with the aim of studying and fostering greater awareness of the
social and cultural impact of digital technologies, particularly artificial
intelligence.
Responsible use of technology
The Pope said he greatly values this ongoing dialogue,
especially as it involves the discussion regarding the responsible use of
technology, a discussion, he called, "open to religious values."
“I am convinced that dialogue between believers and
nonbelievers on fundamental questions of ethics, science and art, and on the
search for the meaning of life, is a path to peace and to integral human
development.”
Technology is, and has been, he said, "immensely
beneficial" to our human family, especially in the fields of medicine,
engineering and communications.
In acknowledging the practical benefits of science and
technology, he noted, "we also see them as evidence of the creativity of
human beings and the nobility of their vocation to participate responsibly in
God's creative action."
Acting ethically
"From this perspective," he said, "I am
convinced that the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning
has the potential to contribute in a positive way to the future of
humanity."
"At the same time," Pope Francis cautioned,
"I am certain that this potential will be realized only if there is a
constant and consistent commitment on the part of those developing these
technologies to act ethically and responsibly."
“It is reassuring to know that many people in these
fields are working to ensure that technology remains human-centred, ethically
grounded and directed toward the good.”
He expressed appreciation for the consensus which has
emerged, on the need for "development processes" to "respect
such values as inclusion, transparency, security, equity, privacy and
reliability." He also welcomed
efforts of international organizations to regulate these technologies, so that
"they promote genuine progress, contributing, that is, to a better world
and an integrally higher quality of life."
Intrinsic dignity of every man and woman
“I would therefore encourage you, in your
deliberations, to make the intrinsic dignity of every man and woman the key
criterion in evaluating emerging technologies; these will prove ethically sound
to the extent that they help respect that dignity and increase its expression
at every level of human life.”
"It is a source of concern to me that evidence to
date suggests that digital technologies have increased inequality in our
world," he lamented.
Certain questions, the Pope insisted, need to be
raised.
"Are our national and international institutions
able to hold technology companies accountable for the social and cultural
impact of their products? Is there a risk
that increased inequality could undermine our sense of human and social
solidarity? Could we lose our sense of
having a shared destiny?"
Our true goal, he said, must be for the growth of
scientific and technological innovation to be accompanied by greater equality
and social inclusion.
Data cannot measure human dignity
"The concept of intrinsic human dignity requires
us to recognize and respect the fact that a person’s fundamental value cannot
be measured by data alone," the Pope said. "In social and economic
decision-making," he continued, "we should be cautious about
delegating judgments to algorithms that process data, often collected
surreptitiously, on an individual’s makeup and prior behaviour. "
He warned that such data can be
"contaminated" by societal prejudices and preconceptions. "A person’s past behaviour," he
noted, "should not be used to deny him or her the opportunity to change,
grow and contribute to society. "
“We cannot allow algorithms to limit or condition
respect for human dignity, or to exclude compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and
above all, the hope that people are able to change.”
Pope Francis concluded by offering his prayerful good
wishes, thanking those present for their efforts to listen to and reflect on
each other’s contributions.
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
