CUA Launches AI Degrees – Detroit Catholic

the Catholic Church and AI: A New Era of Faith and technology

Is artificial intelligence a gift from God, a tool of the devil, or simply a reflection of ourselves? The Catholic Church, recognizing the profound impact of AI, is stepping into the digital arena with both feet, preparing for a future where faith and technology intertwine.

Catholic University of America Launches AI Programs: A Strategic Response

The Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C., is set to launch Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Artificial Intelligence in the fall of 2025. This isn’t just another AI program; it’s a intentional effort to infuse Catholic values into the heart of AI development.

Specialized Tracks: Shaping AI with Ethical Considerations

The programs will feature specialized tracks including AI in healthcare, robotics, ethical AI design, and large language models. The goal? To ensure that AI serves humanity, guided by principles of virtue and authentic human connection.

Quick Fact: CUA is the only university in the United States founded by the U.S.Conference of catholic Bishops.

A Vatican Gathering: Seeds of Innovation in the Vatican Gardens

In October 2024, Aaron Dominguez, CUA provost, attended the Builders Artificial Intelligence Forum in the Vatican Gardens. This gathering, led by Matthew Harvey Sanders, CEO of Longbeard (the “world’s #1 answer engine for the Catholic Church”), brought together a diverse group of Catholics – tech entrepreneurs, coders, academics, and clergy – to discuss the role of AI in the Church.

Dominguez recalls the event as pivotal, clarifying his thinking on the ethical AI programs he was developing. The presence of individuals from various backgrounds, all united by their faith, highlighted the urgency and importance of addressing AI’s implications.

Expert Tip: Consider how AI can be used to promote social justice and address inequalities, aligning with Catholic social teaching.

The Imperative: A Call to Action for the Catholic Church

Dominguez felt a clear calling. As the “bishop’s university” and the catholic Church’s university in the U.S., CUA had a duty to lead the way.The convergence of the Vatican forum and Pope Francis’s emphasis on AI and the human person solidified the need for action.

Did you know? Pope Francis has repeatedly stressed the importance of ethical considerations in the development and use of AI.

Navigating the “Change of era”: Lessons from the Industrial Revolution

Dominguez draws parallels between the current AI revolution and the Industrial Revolution. Both eras brought profound cultural shifts, altered the nature of work, and challenged our understanding of the human person.The key difference? We have the chance to learn from the past and shape AI’s development with intention.

Beyond Moral Neutrality: Designing AI for Virtue

Dominguez emphasizes that AI should not be morally neutral.Instead, it should be designed to encourage virtue and foster authentic human interaction. The goal is to create AI that connects people, rather than isolating them.

Real-World Example: Imagine an AI-powered mental health app designed to connect users with therapists and support groups,rather than simply providing automated responses.

Setting Boundaries: Ethical Guidelines for Generative AI

Just as society has established ethical frameworks for medicine and bioethics, Dominguez argues that we need similar boundaries for AI, notably generative AI. He cautions against creating machines that we cannot control and calls for proactive efforts to address these challenges.

Did you know? The U.S. government is actively exploring regulatory frameworks for AI, focusing on issues such as bias, clarity, and accountability.

CUA’s “Secret Sauce”: Faith, Intellect, and a Extensive Approach

While other institutions offer AI degrees, CUA’s program stands out for its integration of the Catholic moral and intellectual tradition. This “secret sauce” combines cutting-edge technology with timeless values, creating a unique learning environment.

The Advantage of a Comprehensive Catholic University

Dominguez acknowledges that CUA may not outcompete MIT in terms of pure technological prowess. Though, CUA’s strength lies in its comprehensive approach, bringing together theologians, philosophers, and scientists to address the ethical and societal implications of AI.

Expert Quote: “we’re never going to outcompete MIT’s AI Lab… but they don’t have hundreds of theologians and philosophers wandering the halls.” – Aaron Dominguez, CUA Provost

A Call to Action: Join the Movement

CUA is actively seeking students, partners, donors, and “smart people” to join its AI initiative. The university is “open for business” and fully committed to shaping the future of AI with a Catholic outlook.

Call to Action: Visit the Catholic University of America’s website to learn more about the AI programs and how you can get involved.

The Future: Digital Bootcamps for Bishops and Papal Involvement

Looking ahead, CUA envisions digital AI bootcamps for bishops and hopes for the involvement of Pope Francis himself. The goal is to equip Church leaders with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate the complex world of AI.

Pros and Cons: The Catholic Church and AI

pros	cons
Ethical framework grounded in Catholic social teaching	Potential for slow adoption due to cautious approach
Focus on human dignity and authentic connection	Risk of being perceived as anti-technology
Opportunity to shape AI for the common good	Challenges in attracting top AI talent

Quick Fact: The Vatican has hosted several conferences on the ethical implications of AI, demonstrating the Church’s commitment to engaging with this technology.

The Catholic Church’s engagement with AI represents a significant step towards ensuring that this powerful technology is used for the benefit of humanity, guided by principles of faith, reason, and ethical responsibility. The journey has just begun, and the path forward requires collaboration, dialog, and a unwavering commitment to the common good.

The Catholic Church and AI: An Interview with Tech Ethicist, Dr. Evelyn Reed

Keywords: Catholic Church, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, technology, Catholic University of America, Vatican, Pope Francis, Ethical AI, AI Ethics

Time.news: Dr. Evelyn Reed, welcome! We’re thrilled to have you with us today to discuss the Catholic Church’s burgeoning involvement in the world of Artificial Intelligence. With the Catholic University of America launching new AI programs and the Vatican actively engaging in ethical discussions,it truly seems like a pivotal moment. What are your initial thoughts on this growth?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: Thank you for having me. I think its tremendously crucial. The Catholic Church,with its long history of philosophical and ethical reflection,brings a unique perspective to the AI revolution. AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s rapidly transforming our world, and its development demands careful consideration of its impact on humanity.

Time.news: The article highlights CUA’s new AI programs, emphasizing the integration of Catholic values. How critically important is this approach in the broader landscape of AI education?

Dr. Reed: it’s incredibly significant. Most AI programs focus heavily on technical proficiency, which is vital, of course. Though, ethical considerations are frequently enough relegated to a secondary role. CUA’s programs, with their emphasis on ethical AI design and the integration of Catholic moral and intellectual tradition, offer a counterbalance. They’re training a new generation of AI professionals who are not only technically skilled but also deeply aware of the ethical implications of their work. This focus on virtue and authentic human connection is exactly what we need.

Time.news: The article mentions a “Builders Artificial Intelligence Forum” in the Vatican Gardens. What does this gathering signify in terms of the Church’s broader engagement with AI?

Dr. Reed: The Vatican forum is a clear signal that the Catholic Church isn’t just passively observing the AI revolution; it’s actively participating in shaping its direction. Bringing together tech entrepreneurs,coders,academics,and clergy demonstrates a commitment to a multidisciplinary approach. It’s about fostering a dialog between faith and technology, ensuring that AI serves humanity rather than the other way around.

Time.news: Provost Dominguez draws a parallel between the AI revolution and the Industrial Revolution. How can we learn from the past to ensure a more ethical and human-centered approach to AI development?

Dr. Reed: The comparison to the Industrial Revolution is apt. That era brought significant advancements but also created unprecedented social inequalities and challenging working conditions. We have the benefit of hindsight. We can learn from those mistakes and proactively implement ethical guidelines for AI development. This means designing AI that promotes social justice, addresses inequalities, and fosters authentic human interaction, as the article suggests. We need to remember that technology is a tool, and its value depends on how we use it.

Time.news: The article also touches on the need for ethical boundaries, especially for generative AI. What specific challenges do you see in this area, and what steps need to be taken?

Dr. Reed: Generative AI presents unique challenges due to its ability to create increasingly realistic and convincing content. We need to address issues like bias in training data, the potential for misuse in spreading misinformation, and the impact on intellectual property. A vrey critically important issue that needs to be solved is AI clarity.There needs to be an understanding of the sources that powered the AI to produce certain content.This field is still very new and we need to start somewhere.Proactive steps include developing clear ethical guidelines, promoting transparency in AI algorithms, and establishing regulatory frameworks that ensure accountability.

Time.news: CUA acknowledges it might not outcompete MIT in pure technological prowess but emphasizes its unique combination of faith and intellect. How does this “secret sauce” give CUA an advantage in addressing the ethical and societal implications of AI?

Dr. Reed: The strength of a comprehensive university like CUA lies in its ability to bring together diverse perspectives. MIT excels at technical innovation, but CUA can leverage its theologians, philosophers, and scientists to engage in a more holistic and nuanced ethical analysis. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for tackling the complex ethical questions raised by AI. It’s not just about building better algorithms; it’s about ensuring that those algorithms align with our values and promote the common good.

Time.news: what practical advice would you give to our readers who are interested in getting involved in the ethical development of AI, regardless of their background or faith?

Dr. Reed: First, educate yourself. there are countless resources available online, including articles, courses, and podcasts. Second, engage in conversations about AI ethics with your friends, family, and colleagues. The more we talk about these issues, the more informed we become. Third, support organizations and initiatives that are working to promote ethical AI development. Whether it’s donating to research, volunteering your time, or advocating for policy changes, every little bit helps. And remember that everyone has a role to play. The future of AI is not just in the hands of technologists; it’s in the hands of all of us.

Time.news: Dr. Reed, thank you for your insightful perspective. Your expertise has shed valuable light on the Catholic Church’s evolving role in the age of AI.

Dr. Reed: My pleasure. Thank you for providing this platform for such an important discussion.