Catholic Social Teaching and AI: Responses to the Ethical Challenges of Emerging Technologies

St Mary’s in Scotland is delighted to share its upcoming conference on AI, emerging technologies, and Catholic Social thought, sponsored by the Catholic Union and the CCLA.

Context

Ever since Rerum Novarum in 1891, the Church has, through her official teaching, presented the world with the key social principles required in order to properly discern how to order society towards the kingdom of God.

Written on the backdrop of a changing social landscape in the west as a result of technology, Pope Leo realised that the impact technology has on society would require spiritual intervention, and the same is true today.

With the popular emergence of generative AI and the wider implementation of autonomous systems, there is an urgent need to discuss what impact these technologies have on society, through a deep reflection with Catholic Social Thought – an urgency noted by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith’s document Antiqua Et Nova.

Call for papers

This conference seeks reflections and discussions on the ways Catholic Social Teaching ought to consider emerging trends in technology, especially with the emergence of AI, and their impact on the spiritual and temporal lives of humanity. 

It aims to bring together theologians, philosophers, ethicists, and others working in relevant fields to present short papers on Catholic Social responses to AI and related technology. These discussions seek to help scholars appreciate the various ways AI and related technology presents challenges for living a holy life and how a multitude of approaches is required, and a collaborative spirit in order to help provide a direction forward in the future.

Questions to be considered could include but are not limited to:

• How is the AI revolution blurring the lines between Human Dignity and the creative elements of work?
• How does AI threaten to disrupt existing financial systems and what responses ought the Church to present for the future?
• Modern technology promises to reshape our relationship with nature and help combat climate change; can these technologies integrate with a Catholic vision for caring for creation?
• Does AI and emerging technology respect the Catholic understanding of subsidiarity?

How to get in touch

Responses due by 31st May 2025.

Please send submissions to stephen.dolan@stmarys.ac.uk.

Please submit a short abstract of your proposed paper by 31st May 2025.

Each presenter will have 30 minutes: 10 minutes to present and a further 20 minutes for discussions.

In order to aid discussions, each presenter can submit a short paper beforehand.

Booking

Eventbrite ticket scheme will launch shortly, but those who wish to register early interest, please email stephen.dolan@stmarys.ac.uk.

 

 

About CCLA

CCLA looks after the investments of more charities than any other fund manager in the UK.* Our aim is to deliver returns in a way that aligns with the values of our clients and furthers their mission. We have been managing funds for the not-for-profit sector since 1958 and are entrusted with over £15 billion of client funds (as at February 2025).

Our purpose is to help our clients maximise their impact on society by harnessing the power of investment markets. The value of our work runs deeper than solely financial returns; Good Investment at CCLA is all about going beyond the boundaries of traditional investor engagement and working with the industry to address systemic risks that threaten communities, the environment and ultimately investment markets.

Website www.ccla.co.uk

*Based on the number of charities invested with us. Charity Finance Fund Management surveys 2020–2024.

CCLA is authorised and regulated by the FCA.