AI, Reality and Humanity

"Those who control digital platforms and means of communication have a considerable ability to affect the  collective imagination and to present a particular vision of reality as desirable. Such power should be  constantly guided by the pursuit of truth and respect for human dignity." - From Pope Leo XIV's encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas"

Dear Friends,

When I was growing up, one of the activities that my brother and I had to do before Christmas was to make a Christmas present for my grandparents. Some years it was better than others. Quite often, when I was finished, I felt that I could have done a better job! Every Christmas, however, my grandparents were overjoyed with the gift that I gave them. The “joy” was not so much about how beautiful or functional or impressive the gift was. The joy came from that fact that I was part of the gift. The fact that I spent the time, energy, and creativity to make it was really the gift.

In April, I finished my first year at Art School. In every class (at least the studio classes) there are projects that we have to do. The day the project is due, the instructor leads a Critique where the students display the piece of art they created, talk about their work, and receive feedback. Being human, I almost immediately start making judgements in my mind about the different pieces of art. Some are impressive. Some don’t make any sense. Some seem haphazard. Who knows what my mind starts making up!

What is amazing to me is how my judgements change about the works of art when I hear the art student explaining their work. They explain their process and how they made it. They give the background on how they came up with the concept and why it was important to them. They explain what they were trying to express. My judgements claim because I am touched and moved by the artist’s intent, process and story. I appreciate how they have invested themselves—have put themselves—into that piece of art.

Pope Leo XIV released an encyclical about Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Monday. At art school, there is a lot of talk and discussion about AI and its impacts on artists and art. Now, almost anyone can sit at a computer and ask AI to generate a “masterpiece” that mimics or copies art from some of the greatest artists in the world. What this art is missing is the human element. Of course, it is present in the original works of the artist but in the AI version it is completely missing or discounted.

One of the fundamental aspects of “technology” (in general) is that it makes life easier. Because of technology, it is easier to grow food. It is easier to move around the planet. It is easier to stay warm or cool. It is easier to communicate. The list goes on and on. I sometimes wonder if our desire to make things easier is robbing us of our basic ability to do and make things that have meaning and are fulfilling for us. Said in another way, “If we can do everything by pushing a button, where is the value and where is our investment in it?”

My grandparents appreciated my Christmas gifts because I made them.

Knowing the story behind the art in my classes helped me appreciate the art of my classmates.

I wonder if we are losing sight of honoring people and the work that they do for the sake of making things easier…

Just wondering.

Peace,

Pastor Phil