The Existential Questions of AI: Lessons from a 19th-Century Pope
The rise of artificial intelligence is sparking debate across industries, particularly in Hollywood where concerns about job displacement are mounting. But the conversation extends far beyond economics. It delves into fundamental questions about what it means to be human – a surprisingly familiar territory explored over a century ago by Pope Leo XIII.
leonardo DiCaprio’s recent comments, and his namesake’s historical precedent, highlight a crucial intersection of technology, labor, and our very self-perception. Let’s unpack this connection and explore why a 19th-century papal encyclical is surprisingly relevant to the AI revolution.
The dual Nature of Powerful Tools
Artificial intelligence, like any transformative technology, presents a duality. It possesses the potential for immense good, mirroring the benefits of nuclear power in providing clean energy. However, it also carries the risk of misuse, just as nuclear technology can be weaponized.
But with AI, the challenge isn’t solely about preventing malicious applications. It’s about understanding how this technology fundamentally alters our understanding of humanity itself. How will AI reshape the way we view ourselves and our place in the world? These are profoundly anthropological questions, and surprisingly few institutions are addressing them with the same depth as the Catholic Church.
Hollywood’s “Below-the-Line” and the Future of Work
DiCaprio’s focus on “below-the-line” workers – the often-unsung heroes of film and production like makeup artists, prop masters, and set designers – is a strategic move. He’s pinpointing the segment of the workforce most immediately vulnerable to disruption by AI-powered automation.
This concern echoes the anxieties of the Industrial Revolution, a period that prompted Pope Leo XIII to address the plight of workers. His response came in the form of Rerum Novarum, a landmark 1891 encyclical.
Rerum Novarum: A Foundation for Modern Catholic Social Teaching
Considered the first modern iteration of Catholic social teaching,Rerum Novarum arose from the urgent need to respond to the social and economic upheaval caused by industrialization. It wasn’t a call for socialism, despite some criticisms. In fact, the encyclical explicitly condemns socialist ideologies.
However, it firmly established the principle that workers are entitled to a living wage. This isn’t about luxury; it’s about basic dignity. A living wage, as defined by Leo XIII, ensures that a worker shouldn’t be forced to hold multiple jobs simply to provide for their family and save a modest amount. Any social contract that demands such a sacrifice is fundamentally unjust.
Applying the Lessons of the Past to the Present
You might be wondering, what does a 19th-century document have to do with 21st-century AI? The core principle remains the same: technology should serve humanity, not exploit it.
Here’s how we can apply the lessons of Rerum Novarum to the current AI landscape:
* Prioritize Human Dignity: AI progress and implementation should prioritize the well-being and dignity of workers.
* Ensure Economic Security: We need to proactively address potential job displacement through retraining programs and explore innovative economic models like universal basic income.
* Re-evaluate the Social Contract: The current economic system may need adjustments to ensure a fair distribution of wealth and chance in an AI-driven world.
* Foster Ethical Dialog: Open and honest conversations about the ethical implications of AI are crucial, and should involve diverse voices beyond the tech industry.
The concerns raised by leonardo DiCaprio, and the historical context provided by Pope Leo XIII, offer a powerful framework for navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. It’s a conversation that demands our attention, not just as technologists or policymakers, but as human beings grappling with the future of our species.
Update, november 26, 10:15 am ET: This story was originally published November 24 and has been updated with news of Peter Thiel’s comments on Vice President JD Vance and Pope Leo XIV.
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