Artificial intelligence is here to stay. It has benefits, especially in the medical field. However, before we proceed full speed ahead, isn't it about time to step back and take stock. Although AI has some great assets, it also poses some very real dangers.
Pope Leo X1V warned us of those dangers in his recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). Leo provided his perspective on the worldwide debate on artificial intelligence. The pontiff implored us to "safeguard our humanity." He acknowledged that although "a valuable tool," this technology will never possess a soul. "We must avoid the misconception of equating this type of 'intelligence' with that of human beings," he wrote. "So-called artificial intelligences do not possess a body, do not feel joy or pain, do not mature through relationships and do not know from within what love, work, friendship or responsibility mean."
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| Leo XIV |
Our common humanity must always take precedence over any technology. Think about all the greatest works of art, literature and music. Reflect upon the finest of human achievements. Did Shakespeare use AI to write his plays and sonnets? Did Leonardo da Vinci require AI to paint the Mona Lisa? Dud Beethoven, Bach and Mozart compose their music with the aid of AI? Could AI create the statue of David or paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, published in 1818, dealt with the consequences of scientific overreach. We know how that monster was created.
Of course, high tech moguls such as trillionaire Elon Musk tout AI as the be-all and end-all. Musk envisions an automated future in which work will be optional due to AI and millions of robots replacing many jobs. He has stated that by 2030, AI will surpass human intelligence.
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| Musk |
It seems we are headed to such a world now, but are people any happier, more fulfilled? Are they more connected? Is there more of a sense of community. I find Musk's vision of the future quite scary because it doesn't take into account our basic humanity. If Musk really wants to make a difference, he could single-handedly end hunger. According to UN estimates, ending hunger by 2030 would cost $93 billion a year. That would be chump change for Musk and well under one per cent of the $21.9 trillion spent on military budgets over the past decade, according to the United Nations.
By the way, Musk spent at least $277 million backing Trump and the Republicans in the 2024 election, according to documents filed by the U.S. Federal Election Commission. He was likely the largest single doner of the election, mostly through his personal super PAC. America PAC.
After Trump won the election, Musk became head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The richest man in the world did Trump's bidding by cruelly making cuts that hurt ordinary Americans. He even posed for cameras with a chainsaw, emphasizing is willingness to perform Trump's cost-cutting.
Pope Leo and Elon Musk do not share the same values regarding technology and AI, This is not a blanket condemnation of artificial intelligence. It is only to advocate that artificial intelligence be used intelligently.
- Joanne
