Magnifica Humanitas: A Panel Discussion on AI and Human Dignity

"Each generation inherits the task of shaping its own era, of guiding history to become a place where the dignity of every person is safeguarded, justice is promoted and fraternity is made possible. Yet every era also runs the risk of creating an inhumane and more unjust world." Beginning with these words in his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV argues that humanity faces such a crossroads with the rapid development of AI. In this panel discussion, cosponsored by Phoenix Catholic, the Diocese of Green Bay, and the Mauthe Center, we will address the encyclical's arguments about AI and confront central questions of human dignity. What is it to be truly human? How can we ensure that modern technology contributes to a more humane and just world?

Joining us on the panel will be:

— Andrew O'Connor (PhD, University of Notre Dame), theologian and Director of the Sturzl Center for Community Service and Learning and the Norman Miller Center for Peace, Justice & Public Understanding at St. Norbert College. Dr. O'Connor is a scholar of the Qur'an and ethics in comparative theology.

— Robert Riordan (PhD Cand., Marquette University), Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Prof. Riordan teaches "AI, Algorithms, and Truth," a course that combines epistemology with information literacy to help students evaluate AI systems and digital information, and he serves on the university's AI Think Tank.

— David Voelker (PhD, University of North Carolina), Professor of History and Humanities at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. As a scholar of environmental history and the environmental humanities, Dr. Voelker brings a deep understanding of humanity's place in the world to his study of Catholic Social Teaching.

— Tony Pichler (MTS, St. Norbert College), Executive Director of Envision Greater Green Bay. Formerly the director of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality and the Director of Lay Ministry Formation for the Diocese of Green Bay, he was the co-founder of St. John's Homeless Shelter and recently received the Inspire Change Changemaker Award from the Green Bay Packers.

— Eric Hagedorn (PhD, University of Notre Dame), Professor of Philosophy and Computer Science, St. Norbert College. Dr. Hagedorn specializes in medieval philosophy, logic, and the philosophy of AI.

— Our host for this event will be Paloma Cruz, Lead Student Coordinator at the Mauthe Center. A pre-law student at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, she is majoring in Political Science and Democracy and Justice Studies with a minor in International Studies, and she is a Newman Civic Fellow and Tommy G. Thompson Leadership Scholar.

This event is free and open to the public. Snacks will be provided.