Asian Horizons

Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Perspective

Joby Jose Kochumuttom — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Joseph, Clara A.B. India’s Nonviolent Freedom Struggle: The Thomas Christians (1599 – 1799), London and New York: Routledge, 2024

Joby Jose Kochumuttom — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Rajkumar, Sam T. Resounding Faith: Embracing Modern Music in Children’s Ministry, Bangalore: Omega Book Word, 2023

Lochumi A. Murry — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Final Document of the Synod for a Synodal Church Inspirations, Reflections, and Evaluations

Yesu Karunanidhi — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial Intelligence and the Complexity of Ethics

Peter G. Kirchschlaeger — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

While reflecting upon artificial intelligence, one of its characteristics is often highlighted: its complexity. Sometimes the complexity of artificial intelligence is even used as an argument against holding humans responsible for it. At the same time, surprisingly the complexity of ethics is usually perceived with a reductionist understanding of ethics. In this article, the concept “artificial intelligence” itself is critically reviewed resulting in the introduction of a more adequate term: “databased systems.” Beyond that, I argue against the possibility of “ethical” databased systems and in favour of databased systems with ethics. Finally, the complexity of ethics and its consequences for the ethical dimension of technology-based innovation will be in the focus.

Artificial Intelligence: An Anthropological and Theological Investigation

Rajesh Kavalackal — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The dialogue between science and religion is a perennial question. Although the Church has a positive outlook towards scientific advancement there is hope as well as fear regarding the role of science in the mind of the believer. In this paper our attempt is to comprehend the advantages of the scientific leap, focusing on artificial intelligence. This understanding creates a new possibility for mutual enrichment of the two partners, namely science and theology. A dialogue between artificial intelligence (AI) and theology facilitates a more profound evaluation of the vital concepts in theological anthropology, namely, the problem of creation, problem of sin, as well as the ethical concerns regarding AI. The concept of imago Dei—the understanding of humans created in the image of God—can be applied to the scheme of AI especially when it is presented in a way that seriously takes the functional and performative character of both theological and scientific theories. In nutshell, we want to be optimistic about all human growth safeguarding the basic principle of human dignity and personhood.

An Ethical Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence from a Catholic Moral Perspective

Joby Kunnathu — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced at an unimaginable pace in recent years, influencing every aspect of human life. Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to a system or software that can simulate intelligent human behaviour, do instantaneous computations, solve problems, and evaluate new data based on previously assessed data. Even it is used in every spere of human life, “This technology has the power to impact the future of the industry and human beings, but it is a double-edged sword.” When it is not used responsibly and ethically it can bring ruin to the world rather than blessing to the world. So the nations make strict rules and regulations for the implementation of AI in various work-fields and so the Church also expresses its concern for the unresponsible use of AI in work areas which can create a lot of ethical issues. Anything which does not uphold the value of human life and the dignity of human life cannot be accepted by the Catholic Church. Thus, this article elaborates on certain ethical issues of using AI while without denying its immense possibilities.

Navigating the Ethical Maze of AI: Balancing Innovation, Accountability, and Human Values

Jossy George — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

As artificial intelligence (AI) weaves itself more intricately into the fabric of our daily lives, the ethical implications become increasingly pressing. We find ourselves straddling the line between fascination and fear. Just think of the stark warnings echoed in films like The Matrix, where humanity faces the terrifying prospect of machines taking control. In reality, we witness the emergence of similar challenges—the COMPAS algorithm, for instance, has demonstrated the reinforcement of racial bias in sentencing. AI has undeniably transformed our capabilities, outpacing us in diagnosing diseases, translating languages, and even piloting military drones with precision. But this leap forward raises a critical question: what happens when these autonomous systems make decisions that defy human logic or even put lives at risk? This article explores the ethical battlegrounds of AI—privacy, accountability, and the erosion of human judgment. It delves into how AI, if misused or poorly designed, could exacerbate societal inequalities and psychological impacts. Yet, it also highlights opportunities for AI to augment human capabilities when aligned with robust ethical frameworks. The discussion challenges readers to consider the future of human-machine coexistence and demands a proactive approach to ensuring AI serves humanity, not the other way around. Bold actions and global cooperation are no longer optional; they are the price of a just, AI-powered future.

Ethics in AI: Worldwide Impacts and Evolving Trends

Binoy Checkonthayil — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various aspects of society and the burgeoning integration of AI systems into daily life has exacerbated the ethical implications of their deployment worldwide. AI ethics encompasses a wide range of issues, including privacy, bias, accountability, transparency, and the societal consequences of automation. The creation of thorough ethical rules has lagged behind the quick growth of AI technology, creating difficulties in guaranteeing the responsible design and application of AI systems. Because AI systems frequently demand enormous datasets, which may expose sensitive personal information, privacy concerns are raised. The potential of artificial intelligence to deduce facts that people might not have voluntarily disclosed further complicates this problem. AI bias is yet another serious ethical issue as biases that already exist in the data that AI systems are trained on have the potential to be reinforced by these systems which leads to unfair treatment and discrimination, particularly against marginalized groups. Thus, accountability in AI which is essential for addressing the ethical concerns are needed in establishing legal frameworks to supervise the deployment of AI. In AI ethics, transparency is equally essential. Globally, the approach to AI ethics varies significantly across different regions. Thus, the paper examines the global impacts and evolving trends in AI ethics, exploring the balance between technological advancement and moral responsibility, as well as the role of international cooperation in addressing AI ethics. The establishment of global standards and agreements can harmonize ethical practices and ensure that AI benefits are distributed equitably. Thus, the ethical implications of AI are complex and multifaceted, requiring a coordinated effort from governments, industry and civil society. Measures for the use of AI’s advantages while reducing its risks by tackling the issues of privacy, bias, accountability, transparency and societal effect are the need of the hour.

The Resolution of the Problems Encountered in the Contemporary Church Using the First Patristic Letter as a Template

Roby Vadana — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

As the first letter among the Apostolic Fathers in the study of Patrology, The First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians stands as a pivotal document. Following internal divisions and disputes within the Corinthian Church, Clement, writing from the Church of Rome as the successor of St. Peter, composed this letter as an appeal to the Corinthians to address the conflicts and restore peace and unity in their community. Clement emphasizes the importance of apostolic succession and urges everyone to honour and obey the legitimate authority within the Church. He points out that the dispute in the Church stems from strife and jealousy, and calls on the Corinthians to repent for the disorder they have caused. Clement encourages them to adopt humility and obedience following the example set by Christ and the Apostles. Today, more than ever, Clement’s letter remains deeply relevant as the contemporary Church faces growing divisions and disputes. It serves as a reminder to the Church today of her responsibility to stand alongside every local Church, diocese, community, and member, just as the Roman church stood with the Corinthians. The letter calls for the Church to seek unity and resolution through mutual support and correction, rather than through condemnation and alienation. Clement cautions that hatred, envy, and jealousy are contrary to the Christian faith and will ultimately harm the Church. He exhorts the faithful to pursue unity and peace, virtues that can only be achieved through repentance, humility and obedience. The Church today must rediscover the warmth of the early Christian community to experience the genuine spirit of love and unity.

FABC’s Vision for Eucharistic Families: Integrating Onam and Eucharistic Values in Asia

Sebastian Mathew Mittathanickal and Pablito A. Baybado, Jr — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The paper explores the integration of Eucharistic values with traditional cultural practices in Asian families, with a specific focus on the celebration of Onam in Kerala, India. It examines the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) vision for “Eucharistic families” and the challenges they face, including religious persecution, poverty, and cultural conflicts. By aligning the Eucharist with the cultural richness of Onam, the paper aims to highlight how these values can foster community solidarity, social justice, and spiritual renewal. It considers Pope Benedict XVI’s emphasis on the transformative power of the Eucharist and proposes practical ways to integrate these values into the Onam festival. The approach includes promoting community over individualism, enhancing support systems, and blending Eucharistic themes with local traditions. Through this integration, the Church seeks to build a unified and spiritually enriched community in Kerala, addressing contemporary social issues and reinforcing a culture of compassion and solidarity.

Grassroots Activism and Representational Politics as Integral to Evangelization a Christian Response

Bala Kiran Kumar Hrudayaraj — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The 2014 electoral verdict, a significant turning point in India’s political landscape, marked a decline in authoritarian dominance. However, it did not conclusively signify the resolution of the rising authoritarianism in India. The article argues that fostering grassroots political activism and representational politics is not just a political mission but also a constitutive part of the mission of evangelization. Drawing on the insights of Amartya Sen and Catholic social tradition, the article presents a compelling argument for such a political engagement of the Christians in India. Emphasizing Sen’s conceptualization of democracy as public reasoning, wherein citizens engage in rational dialogue and subject their beliefs to critical scrutiny, the article underscores the imperative of informed engagement with critical socio-political issues. Subsequently, it delves into the principle of participation within Catholic social tradition, which advocates for active involvement in socio-political and cultural processes to further the common good. Synthesizing these perspectives, the discourse proffers practical strategies through which the Catholic Church, as a key societal institution, can play a crucial role in cultivating social trust and fortifying the secular fabric of Indian society by fostering grassroots political activism and aiming at representational politics. Such a political engagement is construed as an intrinsic facet of the mission of evangelization.

The Shepherd Motif in Ezekiel 34:1–16: An Exegetical Analysis and its Ethical Perspectives

Maria Augustine — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000