Pope offers scientists considerations for AI development

The Pontiff addressed participants at “The Future of AI: A Dialogue between the Vatican and the Scientific World on the Development and Application of Intelligent Technologies”, which was organised by the Pontifical Academy for Life and the Future of Life Institute.

“I am grateful to you for sharing your concerns, as well as your ideas and proposals for the future,” Pope Leo said during an October 30 audience, which took place in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace. “These are the first fruits of a transdisciplinary approach, which is increasingly necessary if we are to address the complexity of the great challenges of our time.”

The Pope’s five considerations were, “First, the future of artificial intelligence is not pre-determined”; “Second, machines are tools, not persons”; “Third, certain decisions must never be delegated”; “Fourth, intelligent technologies must be directed toward the common good”; Fifth, “we already know many of the ethical principles that should guide the development of artificial intelligence. What we currently need are institutions capable of putting these principles into practice, particularly effective international institutions that can safeguard the global common good.”

In discussing the second consideration, Pope Leo warned that “today, some propose granting these systems rights, or even legal personhood. Such an approach risks obscuring human responsibility and leaving those who suffer harm to confront a faceless entity”.

“When a person is placed on a target list or entered into a border control database, there is a danger that he or she will be reduced to a mere data point,” the Pope added as he discussed the third consideration. Decisions affecting human life, freedom and the use of force “must always remain subject to effective, informed and responsible human oversight”.

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Pope offers scientists 5 considerations in guiding AI’s development (Catholic Culture)