AI and Human Dignity Take Centre Stage at George Vayalil Memorial Lectures

Bengaluru, September 29, 2026: The rapid growth of artificial intelligence and its implications for human dignity, responsibility and ethical discernment came under theological and academic scrutiny at the Rev. Fr. George Vayalil Memorial Lectures held at the Indian Institute of Spirituality (IIS), Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, on September 27.

Organised on the theme “Humanity at the Crossroads: Reading Magnifica Humanitas in the Age of AI,” the lectures brought together faculty members, research scholars, licentiate and diploma students, sisters and members of the IIS community. The reflection was guided by Psalm 8:4: “What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him?”

Rev. Dr. Benni G. Koottanal MSFS, Director of IIS, stressed the importance of engaging contemporary technological developments through academic, theological and human perspectives. He underlined the need to place the human person, dignity, responsibility and ethical discernment at the heart of discussions on AI.

The resource person, Dr. Sr. Deepthi C.K. UFS, situated artificial intelligence within the broader history of technological change. Reflecting on major turning points such as the Industrial Revolution, she examined how technological developments have transformed human life, society and patterns of thought.

She then explored the growing use of AI in contemporary society, with particular attention to education, academic work, students and scholastics. While highlighting its potential, she also examined the ethical and practical challenges associated with the technology and called for responsible and discerning engagement with AI.

An interactive question-and-answer session allowed participants to discuss the practical, academic, ethical and human questions emerging from the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

The lectures also examined the meaning of Magnifica Humanitas in a technological age. Sr. Deepthi reflected on the uniqueness and dignity of the human person and considered how this vision could guide humanity's response to AI. She highlighted the importance of responsibility, ethical awareness, discernment, human relationships and respect for human dignity.

A further dialogue enabled participants to engage more deeply with the issues raised during the lectures.

The memorial lectures provided the IIS community an opportunity to examine the opportunities and challenges posed by AI while keeping the human person at the centre of technological and theological reflection.

By Catholic Connect Reporter