What Happens When AI Meets the Question of Human Dignity?

The growing influence of artificial intelligence and its impact on human dignity took centre stage at the Rev. Fr. George Vayalil Memorial Lectures held at the Indian Institute of Spirituality in Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, on September 27, 2026. The lectures were organised around the theme “Humanity at the Crossroads: Reading Magnifica Humanitas in the Age of AI.” Faculty members, research scholars, licentiate and diploma students, sisters and members of the IIS community participated in the programme. The reflection was guided by Psalm 8:4, which asks, “What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him?” The biblical question provided a foundation for discussing the value and dignity of the human person in an increasingly technological world. Rev. Dr. Benni G. Koottanal MSFS, Director of IIS, emphasised the importance of examining technological developments through academic, theological and human perspectives. He highlighted the need to keep human dignity, responsibility and ethical discernment at the centre of conversations about artificial intelligence. The resource person, Dr. Sr. Deepthi C.K. UFS, placed AI within the wider history of technological development. Reflecting on major changes such as the Industrial Revolution, she explained how technology has influenced human life, society and patterns of thinking. She also examined the growing use of AI in education and academic work, particularly among students and scholastics. While recognising the opportunities offered by AI, she discussed its practical and ethical challenges and encouraged responsible and discerning use. An interactive question-and-answer session gave participants an opportunity to raise practical, academic, ethical and human questions connected with the rapid development of AI. The lectures also explored the meaning of Magnifica Humanitas in an age increasingly shaped by technology. The discussion highlighted the uniqueness and dignity of every human person and the importance of responsibility, ethical awareness, discernment, human relationships and respect for human dignity. The memorial lectures ultimately provided the IIS community with an opportunity to consider both the possibilities and challenges of artificial intelligence while keeping the human person at the heart of technological and theological reflection.