The Thomistic Institute
Affairs of the Heart: The Ethical Significance of Anger | Prof. Jennifer Herdt
Feb 11, 2025
In this discussion, Jennifer Herdt, a Yale University ethicist specializing in virtue ethics, explores the intricacies of anger as an emotion intertwined with ethical responsibility. She contrasts human emotionality with AI's computational logic, shedding light on the vital role of anger in justice and relationships. Herdt delves into philosophical distinctions between anger and resentment, while advocating for a harmonious blend of passions and reason. She emphasizes how cultivating virtue can channel anger positively, urging listeners to appreciate its significance in moral dynamics.
38:05
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Quick takeaways
- The rise of artificial intelligence raises significant societal concerns about human uniqueness and the existential implications of AI potentially surpassing human cognitive abilities.
- Understanding and moderating passions like anger, as emphasized by Aquinas, is crucial for aligning emotional responses with ethical considerations and cultivating moral goodness.
Deep dives
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence and Its Implications
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, exemplified by events like the claims of AI consciousness and the emergence of tools like ChatGPT, has led to significant societal concerns. These range from academic integrity issues, such as students potentially cheating, to fears about job displacement across various sectors. More profoundly, this surge raises existential questions regarding human uniqueness and the possibility of AI achieving a level of consciousness or intelligence that surpasses human capabilities. As humans have long valued their cognitive strengths, the potential for AI to outstrip these abilities challenges the perception of our distinctiveness, igniting philosophical and theological discussions about human nature.
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