As we explore the many aspects of Pope Leo’s encyclical, “Magnificent Humanity,” we need to understand what he means by humanity. Artificial Intelligence offers so many avenues of expanding our human capabilities that we need to know more and more our gifts as human beings. If we forget who we are, we could possibly surrender precious aspects of our humanity to machines.
It is our belief in Jesus’ Sacred Heart with his redemptive love that guides the way. God has shown us a love that encompasses all of the qualities of the human heart. Jesus experienced the joy that came as a result of doing his Father’s will and the compassion he had for all peoples. He also experienced the suffering, the tears, the cry of pain, the feeling of abandonment, the despair that all people experience in the course of their lives. In Jesus we see all that humans experience. No machine even in its most advanced state could ever experience what Jesus’ human heart experienced out of love for us. Pope Leo acknowledges the marvelous things artificial intelligence might be capable of, but it needs to be guided by the human qualities that will enhance the “magnificence of humanity” and avoid what would detract from it.
- How would you describe your humanity?
- What part does artificial intelligence play in your life?
- What boundaries, if any, should be placed on the development of AI?
O God, help me better appreciate the scope and gift of my humanity.