Quo Vadis, Humanitas?
canopic jug writes:
The Vatican has published a document asking about the future of humanity. It is now in several languages, including English, and there is a summary in English. Issues like AI, LLMs, transhumanism, posthumanism, social control media, and digital technology in general are raised in 164 points.
1. The method of the document on the sixtieth anniversary of Gaudium et spes [...]
6. Reason enlightened by faith must establish a critical comparison between newanthropological horizons and the perennial needs of the human condition:Discernment must carefully distinguish between elements compatible with theGospel and those contrary to it, between positive contributions and ideologicalaspects, but the more acute understanding of the world that results cannot failto prompt a more penetrating appreciation of Christ the Lord and of the Gospel,since Christ is the Saviour of the world.'[5]
7. This discernment is inspired by the sixtieth anniversary of the PastoralConstitution Gaudium etspes(1965-2025), an anniversary that points thepresent document towards a new reflection linked to the personal and socialanthropology proposed in the Constitution and in the subsequent Magisterium thathas received and developed its teaching. The unique nature of Gaudium et spesmust be emphasised, a conciliar Constitution with specific magisterialvalue, expressed in its commitment to consider carefully the condition ofhumanity in today's world. For the first time in history, a document of thislevel systematically proposed a vision of the human being illumined by themystery of Christ. In its wake, therefore, we have the question of re-proposingChristian anthropology today in an open and critical dialogue with the morerecent questions coming from human experience and cultures. Precisely inreference to Gaudium etspes, the document places at its centre the humanbeing, whole and entire, body and soul, heart and conscience, mind and will',[6]in order to promote that integral and solidary humanism capable ofcreating a new social, economic and political order, founded on the dignity and freedomof every human person, to be brought about in peace, justice and solidarity.'[7] [...]
[...] 2. The challenge of the poor
164. The relentless technological development that we consider in this text,which favours above all those who already have much power, challenges us to turnour gaze to the poorest. If this development, together with the ideologies thataccompany it, involves serious risks, as we have seen, these will be evengreater for the weakest and most defenceless, that is, for those who count fornothing because they are of no use to the workings of the more powerful. Theyrun the risk of becoming waste material, collateral damage', swept away withoutmercy. As Christians, however, we are called to see them through the eyes ofChrist, who says to each of them: I have loved you.' (Rev 3:9) As PopeLeo XIV explains, Christ by his love given to the end, shows the dignity of every human being.'[199]This encourages us to perceive the strong connection that exists between Christ's love and his call tobe close to the poor.'[200] Fromthis arises the duty to be particularly attentive-as humble sentinels-to theconsequences that new developments in society may have on the lives of the leastamong us. We must respond with a prophetic word and with generous involvement.The authenticity of our faith and the human value of our lives are at stake.
Previously:
(2015) Pope Francis to Issue Encyclical on Global Warming
(2014) Vatican Hosts Conference On Alien Life in Universe
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