Experts in the field of today’s most advanced technologies, along with philosophers, theologians and representatives of a variety of other backgrounds, gathered in the Vatican from 26-28 September 2019 to participate in a seminar organized by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Pontifical Council for Culture.
To understand technological development in our historical period, explained Msgr. Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture, “we certainly need the input of professionals in that field, but there are ethical and human questions about the use of technology that require input from experts in the philosophical and theological fields.” Given the globalized nature of the research and the involvement of people coming from very different ethical and cultural traditions, it can be said that synodality was key feature of the seminar. A future goal is to create a network of experts and non-experts who want to make a contribution to the common good in the digital age by establishing some level of consensus among themselves on the worldwide level and by identifying some criteria to orientate a shared response to today’s key social and ethical challenges, such as conflicts, peace building, and the future of work.