Their present research examines the evolving relationship between Catholic higher education and online learning in view of the emergence of artificial intelligence, exploring both the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the context of Catholic higher education institutions. It highlights AI’s fast-evolving role in Catholic universities, comparing global perspectives, particularly UNESCO’s guidelines, with official Catholic Church teachings. Identifying points of convergence and divergence, the research underlines areas where the official Catholic stance on the use of educational technology aligns or disagrees with current global trends, offering insights for educators, church leaders, and policymakers.

As they zeroed in on the topic through UNESCO and Church documents, the Thomasian researchers encountered a strong reticence from the Church in embracing the said technology as it favored genuine human interaction in honing students. At the same time, the article argues that “online learning can promote interpersonal relationships, and virtual networks can be a place of human connection,” as Pope Francis himself acknowledges. As learning institutions worldwide grapple with AI-driven changes, the paper calls for responsible AI integration, while ensuring that human interaction and the Church’s educational mission remain central to learning, helping Catholic higher education institutions align technological progress with their identity and mission.

The study was included in the International Studies in Catholic Education journal Volume 16, Issue 2, 2024. It was published online by Taylor & Francis Group.

Ocampo is also a research associate at the Center for Theology, Religious Studies and Ethics and one of the pioneering instructors in UST’s Mastertrack Specialist Certificate Program on AI Learning and Development where he gives lectures and facilitates workshops on the ethical and responsible integration of AI. Meanwhile, Gozum has published articles on the ethical use of AI, particularly in the healthcare context.

Read the full article here:

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The study examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with healthcare, offering a unique perspective rooted in Catholic ethical principles, underscoring the need for AI to improve healthcare outcomes while safeguarding human dignity as well as the integrity and autonomy of medical practice.

In exploring how AI technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing are reshaping healthcare, the article tackles critical concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic biases, transparency, and the moral responsibilities of AI developers and healthcare practitioners. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving patient autonomy and informed consent. Drawing inspiration from Catholic teachings, the authors advocate for a patient-centered vision of care which can be applied in various areas of healthcare practice such as disease diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, robotic-assisted surgeries, and sophisticated health data management.

The article invites healthcare professionals, AI developers, and policymakers to collaborate on creating inclusive, equitable AI healthcare systems that respect the irreplaceable value of every individual person. The authors assert “The Catholic Church’s core tenet is that all people are endowed with intrinsic dignity by being born in God’s image and likeness. Therefore, healthcare AI should be developed and implemented in light of this notion. AI systems created with human dignity in mind would meet the demands placed by patients without treating them as less than data points or algorithms.”

The full article is available online in Journal of Religion & Health. To learn more, visit

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The paper focuses on AI’s potential to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency but emphasizes the challenges related to disparities in AI healthcare access. The authors propose that AI-driven healthcare solutions risk exacerbating existing inequalities, benefiting primarily those in urban and high-income areas while leaving marginalized communities behind. Their research suggests an equitable AI implementation framework, drawing from key principles of CST such as human dignity, the common good, and preferential options for the poor. These teachings, rooted in justice, align closely with the ethical concerns surrounding AI and healthcare.

Using the Church’s commitment to social justice as a guide, Gozum and Flake argue for systemic changes to ensure that AI healthcare technology benefits all communities, particularly the underserved. Their proposal is timely as AI revolutionizes medical fields, from early diagnosis to treatment customization. The authors emphasize that AI must complement healthcare professionals rather than replace them, and call for inclusive healthcare systems that prioritize equitable distribution of AI resources. They also draw attention to the ethical implications of AI algorithm biases, which could disproportionately affect marginalized groups.

This study represents a novel intersection of religion, ethics, and technology, urging both policymakers and healthcare professionals to consider the social impacts of AI and its role in global health equity.

For further details, readers can access the full paper via this link:

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