The Intersection of Bernard Lonergan’s Critical Realism, the Common Good, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Religious Practices
Artificial intelligence (AI) profoundly influences a number of societal structures today, including religious dynamics. Using Bernard Lonergan’s critical realism as a lens, this article investigates the intersections of AI and religious traditions in their shared pursuit of the common good. Beginnin...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Religions |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/12/1536 |
| _version_ | 1797379532080021504 |
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| author | Steven Umbrello |
| author_facet | Steven Umbrello |
| author_sort | Steven Umbrello |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Artificial intelligence (AI) profoundly influences a number of societal structures today, including religious dynamics. Using Bernard Lonergan’s critical realism as a lens, this article investigates the intersections of AI and religious traditions in their shared pursuit of the common good. Beginning with Lonergan’s principle that humans construct their understanding through cognitive processes, we examine how AI-mediated realities align with or challenge traditional religious tenets. By delving into specific cases, we spotlight AI’s role in reshaping religious symbols, rituals, and even creating novel spiritual meanings. Using Lonergan’s insights on the balance between subjectivity and objectivity, I analyze AI’s potential to both create new sacred spaces and challenge religious orthodoxy. The crux of the discussion centers on the negotiation between religious values and technological innovation, assessing how AI can bolster religious life while maintaining its core essence. Ultimately, this article underscores the importance of the common good in the age of AI-driven religious evolution. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T20:24:39Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ff59479e18fc4c589c7f565ae6eac789 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2077-1444 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T20:24:39Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Religions |
| spelling | doaj.art-ff59479e18fc4c589c7f565ae6eac7892023-12-22T14:38:41ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442023-12-011412153610.3390/rel14121536The Intersection of Bernard Lonergan’s Critical Realism, the Common Good, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Religious PracticesSteven Umbrello0Center for Religious Studies, Bruno Kessler Foundation, 38122 Trento, ItalyArtificial intelligence (AI) profoundly influences a number of societal structures today, including religious dynamics. Using Bernard Lonergan’s critical realism as a lens, this article investigates the intersections of AI and religious traditions in their shared pursuit of the common good. Beginning with Lonergan’s principle that humans construct their understanding through cognitive processes, we examine how AI-mediated realities align with or challenge traditional religious tenets. By delving into specific cases, we spotlight AI’s role in reshaping religious symbols, rituals, and even creating novel spiritual meanings. Using Lonergan’s insights on the balance between subjectivity and objectivity, I analyze AI’s potential to both create new sacred spaces and challenge religious orthodoxy. The crux of the discussion centers on the negotiation between religious values and technological innovation, assessing how AI can bolster religious life while maintaining its core essence. Ultimately, this article underscores the importance of the common good in the age of AI-driven religious evolution.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/12/1536Bernard Lonergancritical realismdigital religionAI and religious experiencecommon good and technology |
| spellingShingle | Steven Umbrello The Intersection of Bernard Lonergan’s Critical Realism, the Common Good, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Religious Practices Religions Bernard Lonergan critical realism digital religion AI and religious experience common good and technology |
| title | The Intersection of Bernard Lonergan’s Critical Realism, the Common Good, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Religious Practices |
| title_full | The Intersection of Bernard Lonergan’s Critical Realism, the Common Good, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Religious Practices |
| title_fullStr | The Intersection of Bernard Lonergan’s Critical Realism, the Common Good, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Religious Practices |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Intersection of Bernard Lonergan’s Critical Realism, the Common Good, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Religious Practices |
| title_short | The Intersection of Bernard Lonergan’s Critical Realism, the Common Good, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Religious Practices |
| title_sort | intersection of bernard lonergan s critical realism the common good and artificial intelligence in modern religious practices |
| topic | Bernard Lonergan critical realism digital religion AI and religious experience common good and technology |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/12/1536 |
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