Exploring Human Agency in the Age of AI
One of the fundamental promises of artificial intelligence is its potential to enhance human agency by liberating individuals from mundane, repetitive tasks. However, a recent publication raises critical questions about this promise, suggesting it may be more complex than it appears.
Overview of the Publication
The book titled “Reclaiming Human Agency in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, co-edited by theologian Paul Scherz from the University of Notre Dame, critiques the notion that AI empowers users. The publication is part of a series from the Vatican’s AI Research Group for the Centre for Digital Culture, which includes experts from various fields such as theology, philosophy, and computer science.
Key Themes and Concerns
The book delves into how AI impacts human actions and freedom, emphasizing the distinction between AI agents and true human agents. Scherz notes, “We think it’s important to distinguish what the differences are between these AI agents and true human agents — and how the AI we have now is affecting our actions.”
Among the concerns highlighted are:
- Addictive applications that can lead to compulsive behavior.
- Surveillance capitalism, where companies exploit personal data for profit.
- Widespread de-skilling in the workplace as complex tasks are increasingly assigned to AI.
- The rise of algorithmic governance, wherein social media algorithms shape consumer behavior and public perception.
A New Perspective on Human Agency
The authors argue that human agency should not merely be viewed as “freedom from” tasks, but rather as “freedom for” pursuing the good and building meaningful relationships. Scherz states, “This book is really an attempt to look at a number of these problems that AI is raising but, at the same time, to examine the opportunities that AI could provide to improve our ability to act.”
Research Background
Scherz, who holds advanced degrees in both genetics and moral theology, began exploring AI’s implications while researching the Human Genome Project. His involvement with the Vatican’s group since 2020 has led him to investigate broader impacts of AI in relation to the Catholic understanding of human dignity.
Collaboration and Future Directions
Notre Dame has hosted plenary sessions for the AI research group, facilitating collaboration with faculty and students. The university recently secured a $50 million grant aimed at developing a faith-based approach to AI ethics.
As an esteemed Catholic institution, Notre Dame leverages its resources to address AI’s ethical challenges, a topic emphasized by Pope Francis as a defining issue of our time. The group is now working on a subsequent publication focused on AI and education, as well as exploring AI’s effects on labor and the ideologies prevalent in Silicon Valley.
Through these efforts, the research group aims to ensure that AI technologies serve to enhance human agency rather than undermine it.
