SEOUL (SE): Over 800 people attended a lecture by Father Paolo Benanti, a prominent theologian and ethicist, on artificial intelligence [AI] at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea on September 3, the Committee for Communication of the Archdiocese of Seoul reported.
Titled, AI and Its Ethical Implications, the lecture marked the beginning of the “WYD [World Youth Day] Journey to Knowledge” series, hosted by the archdiocesan Committee for Communications in collaboration with the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organising Committee. The series aims to engage young people in meaningful discussions about contemporary issues.
The event emphasised the importance of exploring ethical dimensions in modern technology and featured distinguished guests such as Andrew Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop Chung Peter Soon-taick, and Bishop Linus Lee Seong-hyo of Suwon.
During his thought-provoking presentation, Father Benanti delved into the intricate ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence. He urged the audience to consider the multifaceted nature of technology, drawing parallels to historical contexts where seemingly innocuous tools were transformed into weapons.
We should strive for development—innovation working towards the common good
Father Paolo Benanti
“We must change our perspective on the ethics of technology to see it as a form of power,” he stressed, adding, “Every ‘if this, then that’ command in AI entails a moral decision, influencing who is valued and who is not.”
In his presentation, Father Benanti used historical examples to explain the impact of technology on society. He highlighted Robert Moses’s infrastructural designs in New York as an example of how every technological artifact can shift power and influence social dynamics and access.
Additionally, he discussed the example of a tomato farm to demonstrate how technology can change the nature of a product and its market, often leading to market contraction and benefiting only those who can afford the technological shift.
The lecture’s message was clear: technology’s core challenges are not solely for engineers but for society at large, requiring reflective discourse on human value and ethical frameworks. “We should strive for development—innovation working towards the common good,” Father Benanti asserted.
Every ‘if this, then that’ command in AI entails a moral decision, influencing who is valued and who is not
Father Benanti
In the Q&A session, he directly tackled the concerns of young participants who were eager to figure out how to deal with the widespread influence of technology and AI in their lives. He told them, “Don’t let technology scare you. As Pope Benedict XVI emphasizes in Caritas in Veritate, technology reflects humanity’s ambitions for progress and our innate impulse to surpass material limitations. When used wisely, it can bring us closer to reflecting on and praising the Lord.
Emphasising the importance of discernment, a concept championed by Pope Francis, Father Benanti encouraged young people to critically evaluate the role of technology in their daily lives and its broader societal impacts.
He further inspired the young audience by saying, “For us Christians, through baptism, we are called to holiness. We have to defend the freedom of ourselves. Innovation is not enough; innovation is only to do things bigger and faster but not better. We need another category, and the category is development. Development is the innovation that works for the common good. This is the challenge, and the answer will depend on us.” His message underscored the importance of a deliberate approach to technological advancement, with a focus on elevating human dignity and promoting societal wellbeing.
Father Benanti’s lecture also reinforced the role of religious leadership in navigating the ethical landscape of modern technology, especially for younger generations. His call to action is a resonant reminder of the collective responsibility to shape a future where AI serves humanity’s best interests.
