Seattle University has brought together an unusual collaboration between tech organizations and religious institutions, with Father Paolo Benanti, Pope Francis’ advisor on artificial intelligence and technology ethics, being welcomed as a distinguished visiting professor. Benanti has also engaged in discussions with Microsoft President Brad Smith on AI ethics, highlighting the importance of ethical standards in the evolving technological landscape. The unlikely partnership between Microsoft and the Catholic Church was born out of shared concerns and questions about AI and ethics, leading to a collaborative effort to address these complex moral issues.
During a conversation at the Microsoft campus, Benanti and Seattle University Professor Onur Bakiner discussed the potential harms and benefits posed by AI technology. Misinformation and biased decision-making systems were identified as significant risks, while the potential benefits of AI include enhancing productivity and human potential. The speakers emphasized the importance of applying ethical standards to technology, recognizing the diversity of ethical visions in both secular and religious traditions. They stressed the need for a democratic society where these ethical perspectives can coexist and engage in constructive dialogue.
The Catholic Church, under the leadership of Pope Francis, has highlighted the importance of ethical considerations in various contemporary issues, including migration, climate change, and AI. Benanti emphasized the Church’s proactive approach to addressing emerging challenges and engaging in discussions about the ethical implications of advancing technologies. The speakers also discussed the evolving landscape of AI policy and regulations, with various countries and states enacting legislation to govern AI use. While regulations are essential, Bakiner underscored the need for societal debates to ensure that laws effectively address ethical concerns.
Despite the intense competition among tech giants and startups, there is hope that the world can effectively tackle the challenge of ethical AI use. Various groups and organizations are actively addressing the risks and harms of AI, focusing on issues such as bias, discrimination, misinformation, and data protection. The speakers highlighted the importance of ongoing discussions and collaborations in addressing AI ethics and ensuring responsible technology development. While profits may drive companies’ motives, efforts such as ethics boards and responsible AI officers within corporations demonstrate a commitment to developing technology in safe and ethical ways.
In providing advice for GeekWire readers engaged in creating or utilizing AI tools, Benanti emphasized the importance of staying human. This advice reflects the speakers’ shared commitment to prioritizing ethical considerations and human values in the development and use of AI technologies. The collaboration between tech organizations and religious institutions, exemplified by Benanti’s visiting professorship at Seattle University, serves as a unique platform for promoting ethical discussions and fostering a dialogue on the intersection of technology and ethics in our rapidly evolving digital age.
