Catholic tech expert warns against sleepwalking on AI

In the latest episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast, self-described “broad technologist” James Bergin acknowledged people’s fears and concerns in this area.

Asked by host Joanna Kearney for a simple definition of AI, Mr Bergin said it is the ability for computers or machines to mimic human intelligence, “and it is important to focus on the word ‘mimic'”, he said.

“I think because of the expert mimic behaviour that they can present, there are some particular challenges associated with this technology,” Mr Bergin said.

“Pretty much for the first time that I can recall, we now have technology coming and meeting us in our language and in our domain, whereas historically it has been us meeting the computers in their domain . . . using things like a mouse, icons and a keyboard.

“Now we have machines able to talk to us with human language. Human language is imprecise and messy and creative and fascinating – all those aspects need to be factored in when we think about how we deploy these technologies.”

Mr Bergin said he sees a role for the Pope and the Church in contributing to the debate on this and other technologies.

“Who is helping me figure out what a moral or good or right use of this technology is, in addition to an efficient and productive application that is going to help with business?” he asked.

“I think the Popes have a role to play in that, the Church has a role to play in that, and the Church is us, it is not just the magisterium, it is also us, and how we can help each other inside the Church, but also our friends and family who aren’t in the Church . . . . I’m not saying become a preacher and tell them how it should be done, but leave space for the conversation. . . . What can we do to try to shape a future we prefer?”

But Mr Bergin said he has concerns about society “sleepwalking” in this area.

“I worry about us just stumbling into the future, and it will be whatever it will be. That is not what I think we are called to do as people made in the image of God. I think what we are called to do is try to shape the future.”

Mr Bergin, who has also hosted episodes of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast, said it is good to ask questions and also “to sit in the discomfort of not knowing”.

“It is not a matter of knowing all the things, but it is a matter of connecting with others and exploring what might be possible,” he said.

Among topics discussed in the podcast were the use of technology by the Church, human creativity, beauty, art and the need to have “humans in the loop” of technology application.

FULL STORY

Catholic Kiwi Podcast: Season 2, Episode 3 — James Bergin

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