The wide-ranging conversation touched upon human dignity and vulnerability—and why those characteristics are at the crux of our own perceptions and actions related to AI.
“AI is just a tool and therefore it has to stay as a tool,” urged Takam.
But it’s a tool we are responsible for shaping whether we realize that or not, noted those gathered. For example, when we express ourselves emotionally during an AI prompt, we are teaching AI to respond in a seemingly emotional manner.
“This is a slippery slope,” reflected Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace. “You want to create this distance so that it’s not a relationship between beings but a relationship between the human being and technology.”
Meier noted that we have an opportunity to tweak AI in the direction we want—and that direction is not solely up to big tech companies. “I think there needs to be strong voices from civil society,” he said.
WCC staff brought up many facets of human rights-related issues affected by AI, including health equity, autonomous weapons, digital justice, and gender justice—and they asked where best to put their advocacy energy.
Meier said they are asking the right questions. “We can look at the procurement processes of diverse entities—including the government—when it comes to AI,” he said.
Takam added that the notion of “AI for good” is a laudable one, but it’s also important to reflect on the actors who are shaping AI. “They are proposing a certain vision of the anthropology of who AI should be,” he said. “But AI doesn’t have a physiological body. AI is just a tool.”
The conversation also covered the salience of the papal encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas.”
In concluding remarks, Meier thanked the WCC staff and partners for their questions and insights. “I am looking forward to working with the WCC in whatever elements of collaboration we can have,” he said.
Takam also expressed appreciation for the conversation. “We are starting by analyzing AI and all ecosystems surrounding AI as new forms of power,” he said. “When we want to have impact outside of our comfort zone, it’s important to be very strategic.”
Photo gallery
