Preserving Human Dignity
Five Guiding Principles in an Age of Artificial Intelligence*
*Adapted from the DELTA framework at the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Ethics and the Common Good
The rise of artificial intelligence has brought ethical questions about life, work, consciousness, and more to the forefront of popular discourse. The topic of AI can at times feel perplexing and contradictory, with many decrying the technology while others applaud its rapid implementation in society.
What does it mean to be human in an increasingly technological world? And how should people of faith seek to engage this issue?
In an ever-changing world, Christians are called to hold fast to the unchanging realities revealed in God’s word and creation. Created by the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good, the DELTA framework serves as a starting point in this regard, allowing groups and individuals to engage in productive dialogue and, in time, develop ethical solutions to these present challenges.
Five core values are represented in the DELTA framework: dignity, embodiment, love, transcendence, and agency.
Dignity
Human dignity is rooted in the reality that all are created in God’s divine image; a person’s dignity is not earned on the basis of accomplishment, intellect, or any other merit. No matter how advanced machines become, they will never be human or possess the same rights as God’s image-bearers. Furthermore, we must take special care to safeguard human dignity as technological advancements continue to shape our world.
Embodiment
God’s design for humanity is one of embodied life. All human souls have a body, and the physical body, though limited, is part of God’s good creation. An embodied life of real worship and tangible community is a sacred privilege that we should not attempt to circumvent in the name of convenience or optimization.
Love
As creatures made in the image of God, who is himself love, our highest calling is to love. Though AI can simulate companionship, it is incapable of giving and receiving genuine love. Individuals, therefore, can never flourish apart from participating in a loving community with God and with others. As in all circumstances, love and compassion must be prioritized when developing new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Transcendence
Human beings are made to worship. We ought to hunger for meaning, to wonder in God’s creation, and find our ultimate source of hope in God alone. Though new technologies may dazzle us with their promise to meet our every desire, may we always return to God, the one who transcends all of human existence, and the only one who can eternally satisfy.
Agency
God has endowed humans with moral agency and accountability. As artificial intelligence continues to improve its apparent reasoning and decision-making capabilities, it is imperative that we do not offload our moral discernment and decision-making to machines that do not have a soul and are incapable of experiencing love and relationships.
Technology can and should be directed towards human flourishing. Through technologies like AI, we can improve systems and advance discoveries in medicine, science, and much more.
But technology can likewise diminish human flourishing when used indiscriminately. Rather than letting technology shape us, we must take special care to filter our views and use of technology through a robust moral framework that honors God’s created design and the dignity of all people.
To learn more about DELTA and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, visit these resources:
DELTA
University of Notre Dame | Institute for Ethics and the Common Good
DELTA provides practical resources for scholars, faith leaders, tech leaders, teachers, journalists, young people, and the broader public to help navigate challenges posed by rapidly developing AI. Learn more
Resolution on Artificial Intelligence
National Association of Evangelicals
The NAE recognizes the immense potential for good already being realized through AI, while also calling for guardrails to ensure the beneficial development and use of this rapidly emerging technology. Learn more
