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CV NEWS FEED // A Catholic priest born in Silicon Valley expressed in an interview that he thinks the Vatican can help guide the ethical development of artificial intelligence (AI).
Angelus News states that Father Philip Larrey was born in Silicon Valley but spent much of his life in Washington State. He is now one of the Catholic Church’s foremost experts on AI. He ministers to many in the technological industry in Silicon Valley.
Father Larrey stated in the interview with Pablo Kay from Angelus News that it was important to encourage Silicon Valley experts to continue dialogue with the Vatican, especially regarding the development of AI: “A lot of people in Silicon Valley are realizing they’re creating the future, and I would prefer they create the future with input from the Catholic Church and the richness of the Church’s tradition, rather than without us.”
Father Larrey said that in his work with technology experts he takes a personal approach and encourages conversations rather than alienation.
“It’s important to remember that these are real people who happen to occupy various positions in the tech industry, and as people, they have their own aspirations, dreams, and goals,” he said.
He also explained that he encourages them “to keep the AI and the technology centered on the human person.”
He continued, “I know it sounds generic, but when you’re making a decision, ask yourself: Does this promote human flourishing or does this prevent human flourishing?”
Father Larrey said that one of the greatest misconceptions about AI is that it will “take over the world.” He explained, “When I give talks, I try to give people hope that we are not going to end up crushed by Terminators. We should not be afraid, but we should be prudent and guide the development of these technologies.”
He also touched on the inherent limitations of AI, clarifying that it lacks agency and reason.
“Reasoning is an intellectual process, which is specific to human beings. So ‘reasoning’ is actually the wrong word. Computers can’t reason and they never will be able to,” he said. He added that people should develop another term besides “reason” or “conscious” to describe AI because these terms specifically describe human qualities.
He said that when AI seems to “reason” or respond with emotions, it is merely mimicking reason, emotion, and consciousness.
Father Larrey encouraged the faithful to read the Vatican’s document The Rome Call for AI Ethics to understand the Church’s concerns about AI.
