Joseph Cardijn, Viktor Frankl, Pope Francis and today's Pope Leo XIV: See the connection?
Viktor Frankl wrote about "man's search for meaning." As cultural historians/AI Ethicists, we must understand the new Autonomous Revolution: a new search and discovery of meaning in life. Studying history, we see that this discovery occurred after the last two revolutions (agricultural and industrial). We also see it in cultural phase changes, such as in religion, art, and science, in various periods of change in history.
Joseph Cardijn, Viktor Frankl, and today's Pope Leo XIV are telling us to "Say Yes to Life." When Pope Leo talks about AI and emerging technology, much like Joseph Cardijn talked about the cause/effect of the Industrial Revolution, we discover that the meaning of life involves identifying a purpose for each individual through one of three avenues: the completion of tasks, caring for another person or finding meaning by facing change and obstacles with dignity centered on what it means to be a human being.
Frankl developed logotherapy, a form of existential analysis that asserts that life's meaning is unique to each person and each moment and that discovering and fulfilling this meaning is the primary motivation in human life. We observe this search for meaning in Cardijn, and today, we hear Pope Leo discussing it, particularly in the context of social justice and emerging technology.
See-Judge-Act: A key concept in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, the JOC philosophy encourages us to observe, analyze, and take action in response to AI's ethical and societal implications.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, Pope Leo makes this a focus of his papacy. Our JOC insights, a significant framework for understanding our evolving relationship with technology, empower us with a deeper understanding:
AI and the Hierarchy of Needs: In the modern world, AI often addresses our needs for pleasure (convenience, entertainment) and power (efficiency, productivity). However, our understanding of the gospel, the encyclicals, and our philosophy of social justice suggests that true fulfillment comes from meaning, not just pleasure or power. AI can make life easier and more efficient, but it cannot provide meaning on its own.
The Human Search for Meaning Remains Central: Even as AI transforms our work, our jobs, our children's future, and our relationships with our family and society, the responsibility to find and create meaning remains uniquely human. AI can free us from routine tasks, potentially giving us more time to pursue what matters most—relationships, creativity, service, and personal growth—but it cannot answer the question of meaning for us: What does it mean to be a human being right now in this time and place in history?
Potential and Caution: The rise of AI presents opportunities to alleviate suffering, tackle complex challenges, and improve well-being. This hopeful perspective, guided by Pope Leo's wisdom, reminds us to use technology as a tool for meaningful living rather than a substitute for it.
The 'Existential Vacuum' and Automation: Frankl coined the term' existential vacuum' to describe a pervasive feeling of emptiness, meaninglessness, and lack of purpose. In an age where AI is increasingly automating tasks, from repetitive labor to complex cognitive functions, there is a growing concern about what this means for human work and identity. What is left for humans to do if machines can perform so much? This could lead to widespread 'existential unemployment,' where individuals struggle to find meaning in a world where their traditional roles are diminished or replaced. Frankl's, Cardijn's, and Pope Leo's work and experiences say that LIFE is not merely being relieved of 'busywork'; humans need a way to live, and if that 'why' is tied to their work, the advent of AI could exacerbate feelings of meaninglessness.
Our role in life as people who understand the JOC philosophy, the gospels, and the social teachings through the encyclicals—especially the documents of Vatican II—positions us well to actively redefine human value and purpose. This sense of responsibility and engagement is crucial in the age of AI.
AI challenges our understanding of what makes us uniquely human. Suppose AI can surpass human capabilities in various domains (calculation, pattern recognition, even creative tasks). In that case, it prompts a fundamental question: What is our distinct value? Pope Leo's emphasis on finding meaning through unique contributions, relationships, and chosen attitudes offers a framework for navigating this. Our purpose might not be found in tasks that can be automated but in distinctly human capacities like love, compassion, creativity that transcends mere algorithms, and the ability to find meaning in suffering or challenging circumstances.
In essence, Cardijn, Frankl, Pope Francis, the Social Teachings, and now Pope Leo provide a timeless framework for understanding the human need for purpose in life. As AI reshapes our world, let us together develop insights that urge us to focus on the distinctly human elements of existence and actively seek and create meaning rather than passively allowing technological advancements to define our sense of self and purpose.