Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

What Would Thomas Aquinas Make of AI?

Posted on February 19, 2024 in: News

What Would Thomas Aquinas Make of AI?

What would Thomas Aquinas think of artificial intelligence (AI), and what does a large language model think of Thomas Aquinas? According to one German theologian, the Catholic saint and doctor of the Church can contribute to contemporary discussions about AI’s risks and its role in society. 

In an interview with CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner, Thomas Marschler, who holds the Chair of Dogmatics at the University of Augsburg, said: “Of course, Thomas could not have foreseen how the world’s technology would develop in the 800 years since his birth. No one in his time could have imagined that machines would one day be invented that would use computer technology to solve problems in a similar way to intelligent human beings or even surpass them.”

But while St. Thomas’ work contains no direct pronouncements on AI — nor on space travel or quantum physics, for that matter — the work of Aquinas sheds a light on AI’s profound philosophical and ethical aspects, the German theologian said.

“For instance, when the phenomenon of artificial intelligence is used as a strong argument in favor of a naturalistic view of humans — here Thomas can save us from erroneous conclusions with his insights into the nature of the spirit-soul and its abilities, into the uniqueness of spiritual consciousness and its personal carrier,” Marschler told CNA Deutsch.

St. Thomas also encourages Catholics “to think about whether what is technically feasible is always what we should implement in our actions,” he added.

“The latest technology is not always what helps us to achieve the true goal of our lives and to become good and happy as people who are images of God in their spiritual souls.”

After all, Thomas Aquinas is known as the “Angelic Doctor” due to his virtues, particularly his purity and profound intellectual work, and his comprehensive theological writings on angels.

Marschler noted there were already chatbots on the internet that used AI to answer questions in the role of Thomas Aquinas. “However, reading the works of Thomas is probably still the best way to really get to know him,” he said.

‘A pretty forward-thinking guy’

When asking ChatGPT what it makes of Thomas Aquinas, the answer is to the point: “I view Aquinas as a seminal figure in Western philosophy and theology, particularly known for his integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine, which was groundbreaking for his time,” adding he “remains influential in Christian theology and philosophy.”

The chatbot Grok on X, when in fun mode, has a different take on Aquinas: “I think he made some significant contributions to the fields of philosophy and theology,” Grok said. “However, I must admit that his views on certain topics, such as women and heretics, were less than ideal from a modern perspective. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right? And considering the time he lived in, he was a pretty forward-thinking guy.”

For anyone interested in encountering the actual thought of Aquinas, Marschler suggests the YouTube channel and work of the Thomistic Institute in Washington, D.C., emphasizing that “Dominicans who cultivate and develop the Thomistic heritage are also active in France and Italy.”

“The resurgence of interest in Thomistic thought, particularly in the English-speaking world, indicates the enduring relevance of Aquinas’ teachings,” Marschler added.

Reflecting on the broader impact of Aquinas’ work, Marschler highlighted the eventual recognition of Aquinas as a doctor of the Church. 

“His canonization in 1323 and designation as a Church teacher in 1567 recognized his authority as a ‘universal teacher.’ Despite some resistance from other theological schools, Aquinas’ thought has profoundly shaped Catholic theology to the extent that understanding contemporary theologians like Yves Congar or Karl Rahner is almost impossible without reference to Aquinas.”

By CNA Staff

 

This article was originally published by the Catholic News Agency on February 20, 2024. 


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Press Release: Joint Statement Regarding Agreement Establishing Compensation Fund
DIOCESE OF NORWICH AND CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS REACH AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FUND FOR SURVIVORS AS DIOCESE SEEKS TO EXIT CHAPTER 11 Joint Statement from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich, Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, the Association of Parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich, and Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America Norwich, CT, February 14, 2025– The Diocese of Norwich, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, the Association of Parishes, and Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America are pleased to announ...

Read More

Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2025

Posted on February 25, 2025 in: News, Lent

1390

Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2025
In his message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of living one’s life as a constant journey of conversion, choosing to walk in peace and hope aside one’s fellow humans. “May the hope that does not disappoint, the central message of the jubilee, be the focus of our Lenten journey toward the victory of Easter,” the pope said in the message, released Tuesday.  He also quoted St. Paul’s exclamation in the first letter to the Corinthians: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? W...

Read More

2025 CT March for Life Coming on March 19th
For those who recognize the value of all life, the early months of the year offer many opportunities to publicly declare the sanctity and dignity of every human person. On Jan. 19, Archbishop Coyne was the main celebrant for a Pro-Life Mass & Baby Shower Collection at St. Mary Church in New Haven, part of Blessed Michael McGivney Parish. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the Mass provided time for prayer and the chance to donate baby items for the Connecticut Pregnancy Resource Centers. Mary, Gate of Heaven Parish hosted a Mass for Life on Jan. 20 at St. Rober...

Read More

Rite of Election Welcomes Catechumens on First Sunday of Lent
On Sunday, March 9, the First Sunday of Lent, the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich was filled with faith and anticipation as catechumens from across the diocese gathered for the Rite of Election. This significant step in their journey toward full initiation into the Catholic Church marks their formal enrollment in the Book of the Elect, bringing them one step closer to the Easter sacraments. With our diocese still awaiting the appointment of a new bishop, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Hartford presided over the celebration, offering words of encouragemen...

Read More

‘Carlo Acutis, I am in Your Hands’: Catholic Pediatrician Recovers from Cancer
María Dolores Rosique, known as “Lola” by her family members and friends, is pictured here when she was hospitalized. A second-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis accompanied her at her bedside. | Credit: Courtesy of Lola Rosique With a radiant smile, pediatric physician María Dolores Rosique, who goes by “Lola” among family and friends, recounted with renewed faith her testimony of healing after overcoming aggressive abdominal cancer. She testifies that her recovery began after visiting the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi, Italy, and placi...

Read More

Latest Employment Opportunities

Posted on March 05, 2025 in: News

429

Latest Employment Opportunities
Looking for a job? We have some open positions that can be found at  NorwichDiocese.org/Employment.   The updated page includes listings for several employment opportunities within the diocese.     The latest job listings are for a Cook at the Academy of the Holy Family - Click Here and a  Spanish Teacher, 2025-2026 School Year — St. James School, Danielson - Click Here   Other job postings are online as well Be sure to keep the link to NorwichDiocese.org/Employment handy

Read More

Latest Articles
The Hidden Vocation: The Generous Single Life
Diocese to Host New England Basketball Tournament
Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for the Month of March
Rite of Election Welcomes Catechumens on First Sunday of Lent
Share Easter Joy With the Children of St. Vincent de Paul Place
Norwich Diocesan Cemeteries Spring Cleanup Reminder
Lent and the Call to Generosity: Serving Christ in Others
24 Hours for the Lord
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Click to view album: Mass of Ordination for Fr. Eric Carl Hosmer, Fr. Julian Felipe Cuervo-Lozada and Fr. Alexander James Pandolfe
Click to view album: Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (NDCCW) 46th Annual Layette
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294