David Brenner engages the fundamental values of the world’s major religions in modern ethical technological debates. Topics include the overlap between spiritual questions and AI ethics, the attraction of AI, generative AI creating art, distancing from spirituality while embracing the virtual, and finding commonality among different faiths to develop AI ethics.
Collaborating across technologists, ethicists, and faith leaders is essential in addressing the challenges of AI and finding common ground for ethical discussions.
Incorporating diverse ethical perspectives from major religions and faith leaders is crucial in guiding the development and use of AI towards human flourishing and positive outcomes.
While AI may exhibit functionalities resembling creativity, it lacks the human experience, intentionality, and depth that underlies true artistic expression.
Deep dives
The importance of bringing together technologists, ethicists, and faith leaders
It is crucial to bring together sophisticated technologists, ethicists, and faith leaders to address the challenges posed by AI. Collaborating and focusing on common ground, such as loving our neighbor and promoting good in the world, is essential in navigating the fast-paced advancements of AI.
The formation and purpose of AI and faith
AI and faith was founded to address the foundational and ethical questions raised by artificial intelligence. The organization seeks to explore the intersection of AI and various faith traditions, recognizing that these big questions are similar to those posed by matters of faith. By bringing together experts from technology and faith backgrounds, AI and faith aims to provide a deep and thoughtful perspective on the ethical dimensions of AI.
The need for a robust ethical framework
In the context of AI, a robust ethical framework is crucial to guide the development and use of AI technology. This framework should not solely be determined by big tech companies, but rather should be influenced by the values and insights offered by major religions and faith leaders. By incorporating diverse ethical perspectives, AI can be steered towards human flourishing and positive outcomes.
The limitations of AI creativity
While AI may exhibit functionalities that resemble creativity, it lacks the craft and originality that humans bring to artistic expression. AI can generate content by assembling preexisting knowledge and concepts, but it lacks the human experience, intentionality, and depth that underlies true creativity. The uniqueness of human creative endeavors cannot be replicated by AI alone.
The role of faith in navigating AI challenges
As a person of faith, there is an optimistic outlook for AI's impact on human society. While recognizing the risks and challenges, faith provides a grounding that goes beyond the short-term and medium-term developments of AI. Engaging with AI in a responsible and thoughtful manner, while drawing upon the wisdom of religious teachings and moral frameworks, allows for the potential benefits of AI to be realized in alignment with human values.
Can faith leaders, steeped in tradition, contribute anything to the conversation of ever-new artificial intelligence? What if the questions they are asking are the same? When David Brenner realized the metaphysical overlap between the spiritual questions and the questions of AI ethicists, he decided to institute AI and Faith, which engages the fundamental values of the world’s major religions in modern ethical technological debates.
David joins Gretchen in this podcast and asks: Why is AI so attractive? Can generative AI create real art? Why does the current population distance itself from the spiritual yet become enamored with the virtual? And, how can disparate faiths find commonality in order to further the development of AI ethics?
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