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“Along with robotics, the question of artificial intelligence (AI) raises just as many questions, said Fr. Paolo Benanti, T.O.R., a lecturer in moral theology and ethics of technology at the Pontifical Gregorian University and academician of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
AI and related technologies are pervasive, “inserting themselves in every area of our existence,” he said. At the same time, “the presentation of the successes obtained by these machines has always been conducted according to a competitive model compared to man,” he added.
This has created “extremely complex challenges” for our society, he explained, especially on an ethical level. “The greatest danger,” he warns, “does not come from AI in itself, but from not knowing these technologies and leaving decisions on their use to a ruling class that is not fully prepared to manage the issue.”
That’s why AI will be at the center of the assembly of the Academy in February 2020, he said. And since these are particularly “forward-looking” issues, 14 young researchers under the age of 35 will be actively involved in the debates.”