“What kind of world…?

Pope Leo opens the encyclical on Artificial Intelligence, AI, with a question:  What kind of world do we want to build?  Towards what horizon do we want to orient ourselves?    “ Each generation inherits the task of shaping its own era, of guiding history towards a place where justice is promoted and fraternity is made possible”(1). We live in a world “where the power and prevalence of emerging technologies are interwoven into the fabric of our daily lives”.   It is our responsibility to face this challenge with clarity and a sense of responsibility.   We have choices to make.  Pope Leo suggests  two images, two stories,  from Scripture that illustrate these choices:  the project of building the Tower of Babel and that of rebuilding the city of Jerusalem.  

Those who proposed the building of the Tower , 'with its top in the heavens’  wanted to ensure stability and power for themselves, “ a single language, a single technology, a single direction”  that eliminated diversity .    This  grandiose plan sacrificed human dignity for efficiency and aspired to reach heaven on earth without God’s blessing.   The result was dispersion, confusion of language and break down in communication. (Gen 11)   (7 )

On the other hand, when Nehemiah, a Jew living in exile in Babylon, was inspired to return home and rebuild the ruins of Jerusalem, he began by fasting and praying and interceding for the people.   Before taking action,  he examined the ruined walls in silence.   Then he convened the families and assigned to each a section of the wall, listening to their concerns, coordinating their efforts and addressing  any opposition.  The city was reborn through shared responsibility,  using all the skills and resources available, each playing a part and building relationships as they worked together towards a shared vision, with God at the centre.    (Neh 2-6) (8)

So,   what kind of world do we want to build?  AI is an amazing tool when used with wisdom , and respect for  our “magnificent humanity”. It also has the potential to divide and destroy us.       We may feel totally powerless and  ignorant as to what AI is and can do. We still “can be faithful to the truth, invest in education and cultivate relationships, love, justice and peace” where we live.  We can contribute our little stone to building the new Civilisation of Love.