ABSTRACT
This paper explores the role of the Catholic Church in the emerging cognitive revolution driven by science and digital technology, and its engagement with stakeholders in technological development. It begins by emphasizing the immense potential of this new era and the transformative impact these technological shifts can have on humanity. Instead of questioning the relevance of religion in this context, the paper proposes a framework of “prophetic dialogue” as an effective means for the Church, as a stakeholder itself, to engage with other stakeholders. The concept of prophetic dialogue, traditionally applied to discussions on Church mission, is presented as an appropriate and effective approach for engaging with stakeholders of the technological future, including innovators, policymakers, and consumers. The framework of prophetic dialogue comprises two interrelated aspects: energizing communication and criticizing communication. By employing these aspects in a prophetic manner, the Church can actively participate in shaping the future of technology while also safeguarding itself against potential negative consequences of technological advancements. The central thesis of the paper is that prophetic dialogue empowers the Church to adopt a proactive and relevant role in influencing the course of human development. Through engaging in dialogue with various stakeholders, the Church can advocate for ethical considerations, the common good, and the preservation of human dignity in the realm of technological progress. The paper contends that the Church’s involvement is essential in shaping a future that aligns with its moral principles and fosters the well-being of all individuals and communities. By actively participating in the dialogue surrounding technological advancements, the Church can contribute to the development of a society that upholds its values and promotes the greater good. This paper provides an important exploration of the Catholic Church’s engagement in the new milieu and offers insights into how religious institutions can navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital future.
Keywords: prophetic dialogue, digital technology, digital future, stakeholders
Humanity is once again standing at the threshold of a cognitive revolution, but this time, the changes will be driven by science and digital technology. The potential of this new era is vast, with unprecedented advances in fields ranging from medicine and transportation to artificial intelligence and space exploration. This revolution promises to take us into uncharted territories and transform our very existence in ways never before imagined. As we look back in history, we see that the cognitive revolution that occurred over 70,000 years ago enabled Homo Sapiens to revolutionize their communication and socialization methods, leading to groundbreaking advancements in agriculture, industry, and science. Now, we have science and technology as the driving forces behind the current revolution.
As we navigate this new era, it is essential to re-examine our relationship with technology and what it means to be human. While philosophy, religion, and interdisciplinary thought have long grappled with such questions, this paper sets its sights on the role of the Catholic Church in the new context, investigating how it can engage with various stakeholders of technological development. Rather than questioning the validity of religion in the face of this massive change, the paper explores how the Church can manifest itself, proposing a framework of “prophetic dialogue” as an approach to religious engagement. This approach involves a respectful and constructive conversation between different stakeholders, including technology innovators, policymakers, and everyday consumers.
Through this paper, I aim to identify current and future trends in technological development and their potential impact on humanity. I also introduce the concept of prophetic dialogue and its relevance to this context, and apply this framework to religious engagement with various stakeholders. The framework of prophetic dialogue entails two inter-related aspects – energizing dialogue and criticizing dialogue. I will delineate how the Church can carry out these two aspects in context of dialogue with various stakeholders. The thesis of this paper is that the approach of prophetic dialogue will enable the Church to actively participate in shaping the future of technology while also taking control of how the life of the Church itself is impacted by technological advancements. It is a pro-active attitude and strategy of engaging with the various sectors to ensure that the Church continues to exert the proper influence over the course of human development.
1. Trends in Technological Development
To begin the discussion on the role of religion in the face of scientific and technological advancements, it is necessary to first examine some of the notable digital innovations that are anticipated for both the near and distant future. As posited by futurist Gerd Leonhard, there are numerous “megashifts” that are poised to occur in the realm of technology.[1] Briefly, the most important megashifts include:
Digitalization: The concept of “digitalization” is often confused with “digitization,” which is the process of converting analog data into digital format for computer processing. Examples of digitization include converting typewritten text, VHS videos, and LP music into digital formats.[2] However, digitalization refers to a broader transformation that involves various industries and activities as a result of increased use and availability of digital technology. This transformation includes the integration of digital technology into business processes, the creation of new digital products and services, and the development of new business models that leverage digital technology. Thus, digitalization encompasses the way modern life is reshaped and adapted to digital communication and media infrastructures. In the business realm, Gartner defines digitalization as “the use of digital technologies to change a business model and provide new revenue and value-producing opportunities.”[3] This new model affects every sector, and businesses must either transform or face extinction.
Mobilization: The prevalence of digital technology in all aspects of modern life has given rise to a phenomenon known as mobilization, in which such technology is ubiquitous and always accessible. The impact of mobilization has been profound, affecting the ways in which we live, work, and interact with one another. For instance, it has facilitated new forms of communication and collaboration, as well as enabling us to access and share information in previously unprecedented ways. With mobile devices, we can work remotely, participate in virtual meetings, and take part in online education and training from anywhere in the world. Mobilization has created a new class of “digital nomads” who use technology to stay connected and productive while traveling the world.[4] Entertainment has also been transformed by mobilization, allowing users to stream music, movies, and TV shows on the go, and to play games and interact with others in real-time. As technology continues to advance, we can anticipate even more portable and flexible devices, such as wearables and brain-computer interfaces, which will further integrate digital technology into our daily lives. In essence, mobilization means that digital technology is always on hand, anytime, and anywhere, from our phones and tablets to our watches and even our bodies.
Screenification: Screenification is the integration of digital screens and displays into more aspects of our daily lives. This trend is fueled by advancements in display technology and the increasing prevalence of mobile devices and the internet of things. Screenification is observable in various applications, such as smart home devices with built-in displays, wearable devices like smartwatches and augmented reality headsets, and interactive public displays and digital signage. A key feature of screenification is the ability to show dynamic, real-time information and data, such as weather updates, traffic alerts, and social media feeds. This allows users to stay up-to-date and provides new opportunities for interactivity and engagement. Screens are gradually replacing traditional paper mediums,[5] such as newspapers, magazines, and restaurant menus, and replacing physical knobs and dials with touch buttons. They also serve as replacements for display boards, billboards, and information boards. In addition, screens can be used as alternatives to paintings and photographs by displaying digital scenery on an apartment window. Looking ahead, screenification may continue to evolve, with the potential for screens to be placed on our eyes, augmenting our vision to see details in new ways. As a result, screenification will likely become even more pervasive, making screens an integral part of our daily lives.
Disintermediation: The trend of disintermediation is becoming increasingly prevalent, allowing parties to engage directly in transactions and processes without the need for intermediaries.[6] Thanks to advances in digital technology, communication and transactions between producers and consumers, buyers and sellers, and other parties are now more direct and efficient. In the past, intermediaries such as record labels and publishers were needed to access an artist or writer’s work, but now, we can access them directly through various digital channels. E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Alibaba have made it possible for consumers to buy products directly from manufacturers and wholesalers, bypassing traditional retail supply chains. Similarly, peer-to-peer lending platforms like LendingClub and Prosper have enabled borrowers to obtain loans directly from investors, without the need for traditional financial intermediaries like banks.[7] In industries like travel and hospitality, platforms such as Airbnb and Uber have disintermediated traditional hotels and taxi services by enabling direct interactions between hosts and guests, and drivers and passengers. Disintermediation has also made it possible for people to sell and rent out their homes to tourists without having to go through an agent. This trend is expected to continue, as digital technology continues to advance, allowing for even more direct and efficient interactions between parties in various industries.
Decentralization: Decentralization is a concept that involves distributing control and decision-making away from a central authority or organization through the use of distributed networks and protocols, and it is closely related to disintermediation. Centralized systems rely on a single entity or organization to control and make decisions about how the system operates, while decentralized systems distribute control and decision-making across a network of nodes or participants without the need for intermediaries or central authorities. Decentralization offers many benefits,[8] including increased security, transparency, resilience, and autonomy for individual users or participants, while reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and creating new opportunities for innovation and value creation. However, decentralization also poses challenges, such as the need for new governance models and incentive structures to ensure the network operates fairly and efficiently, and the requirement for new skills and technical knowledge to participate effectively. Decentralization is a crucial principle of Web 3.0, also known as the “decentralized web,”[9] which relies on decentralized networks and blockchain technology to enable direct peer-to-peer interactions without intermediaries. Web 3.0 is built on decentralized networks and protocols that allow users to interact and transact directly without intermediaries such as banks, governments, or online platforms. Decentralized networks are typically distributed across multiple nodes, with each node contributing to the network’s overall processing power and security. Blockchain technology is a key enabler of decentralization in Web 3.0, as it allows the creation of trustless systems that facilitate direct interactions between parties without the need for intermediaries. Blockchains are distributed ledgers that record transactions in a secure and transparent manner, without relying on a central authority.
Transformation: Transformation in the digital development context implies a more significant change than simply innovation or modification. It denotes a process of becoming a new entity that can adapt to the demands and conditions of a new environment. Transformation can occur at personal, social, and economic levels. One instance of transformation is in the emerging field of neurotechnology, which utilizes devices and techniques to directly interface with the human brain. It has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the brain and facilitate new forms of communication and interaction between individuals and technology. In the future, transformation could involve humans becoming cyborgs or genetically engineered to achieve better physical health and longevity. Prosthetic limbs are one example of this, as they enable individuals with amputations to regain mobility and functionality. The latest prosthetics technology has allowed the development of increasingly sophisticated and integrated devices controlled directly by the user’s thoughts. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are another example of transformation, allowing individuals to control computers or devices with their thoughts. BCIs can help people with disabilities communicate or control robotic devices or prosthetics.[10] Furthermore, future advancements in fields like nanotechnology and biotechnology could enable even more integration between technology and human biology, such as nanobots for tissue repair or gene editing for enhanced traits or capabilities.
Intelligization: This shift has to do with the development of artificial intelligence (AI), which is seen as key to the running of society in the present and future. According to Oxford Reference, AI is “the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.”[11] Quartz provides a more understandable explanation of AI as follows:
Artificial intelligence is a software, or a computer program, with a mechanism to learn. It then uses that knowledge to make a decision in a new situation, as humans do. The researchers building this software try to write code that can read images, text, video, or audio, and learn something from it. Once a machine has learned, that knowledge can be put to use elsewhere.[12]The trend of intelligization denotes the growing integration of AI technologies into various aspects of our lives, including work, communication, entertainment, transportation, and healthcare. By employing machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and other forms of AI, intelligization aims to automate tasks, enhance human decision-making, and develop novel human-machine interactions. This holds great potential for improving productivity, efficiency, and innovation across a wide range of industries and domains. For instance, in the workplace, intelligization can automate mundane tasks, allowing workers to dedicate their attention to more complex and creative tasks. In healthcare, AI can analyze medical data and assist with diagnosis and treatment decisions.[13] In transportation, AI can optimize traffic flow and minimize congestion, while in entertainment, AI can provide personalized and engaging experiences for users.[14] The integration of AI technologies into various domains of our lives underscores the significance of intelligization in shaping our future, and it is vital to continuously explore its potential to further enhance our daily lives.
Automation and Robotization: Automation and robotization are related concepts that involve the use of technology to streamline and optimize processes and tasks that were previously performed by humans. Automation refers to the use of software, machines, robots, and other digital technologies to perform tasks such as data entry, quality control, and assembly line operations. The goal of automation is to improve efficiency, productivity, and accuracy, while reducing the need for human intervention in routine tasks. Robotization, on the other hand, specifically refers to the use of robots to perform tasks that were previously performed by humans. Robots are intelligent machines that can be programmed to perform a wide range of tasks, from manufacturing and assembly line operations to healthcare and customer service. The key difference between automation and robotization is that automation is a more general term that encompasses a wide range of technologies, while robotization specifically refers to the use of robots. However, the two concepts are closely related, as robots are often used in automation systems to perform tasks that are too complex, dangerous, or repetitive for humans. Both automation and robotization have the potential to significantly improve productivity, efficiency, and quality in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to finance and transportation. The creation of robots to assist in the daily life of human is expected to be more conspicuous. Intelligization has the potential to accelerate robotization by enabling robots to perform more complex and intelligent tasks. By integrating AI technologies, robots can become more autonomous and adaptable, and able to operate in a wider range of environments and social contexts.[15] Prices for robots will decrease as more people buy them and science makes advances in components such as agility, natural language understanding, image recognition and battery power—things that make robots more aesthetically attractive and useful.[16] In a more sinister prospect, robots will also be created to engage in warfare between nations and states, and could be activated for deadly missions.
Anticipation: Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we process and analyze data to anticipate future events. For example, in the future, AI-powered personal assistants can analyze patterns in behavior to predict future actions and needs. They can anticipate changes in schedules, reschedule appointments, and rebook airline tickets. AI doctors can predict health issues by analyzing medical records, genetic information, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors. Advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques identify patterns and correlations to predict potential health risks or issues. Predictive analytics is another tool used by AI doctors to identify individuals at high risk of developing certain health conditions, allowing for early intervention and preventative measures. In law enforcement, AI-powered tools analyze crime data, social media activity, and other sources of information to identify potential crime hotspots or predict where certain types of crimes may occur. Machine learning algorithms can identify patterns and correlations that human analysts may not have noticed, allowing law enforcement agencies to allocate resources more effectively and proactively prevent crime. AI can also analyze demographic and socioeconomic data to identify communities that may be more vulnerable to crime or other social problems. By using this information to target resources and interventions, law enforcement agencies can improve public safety. The integration of AI with the internet of things (IoT) will further enhance the ability of people, animals, and objects to share data and anticipate future events, leading to more efficient and effective decision-making across a wide range of industries.
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1. Gerd Leonhard, Technology Vs. Humanity: The Coming Clash Between Man and Machine (UK: Fast Future Publishing Ltd., 2016).
2. Jason Bloomberg, “Digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation: confuse them at your peril,” Forbes, April 29, 2018, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonbloomberg/2018/04/29/digitization-digitalization-and-digital-transformation-confuse-them-at-your-peril/#1b48dc022f2c
4. Clifford Chi, “What is a Digital Nomad and How Do You Become One?” Hubspot, October 10, 2022, https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/digital-nomad.
5. Rachel Nuwer, “Are Paper Books Really Disappearing?” BBC, January 26, 2016, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160124-are-paper-books-really-disappearing
6. Bernd W. Wirtz, Digital Business and Electronic Commerce. Springer Texts in Business and Economics (Cham, Switzerland: Springer, 2021), 283.
7. Jerry Brown and Jordan Tarver, “LendingClub Vs. Prosper Personal Loans 2023,” Forbes, September 22, 2021, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/lending-club-vs-prosper/.
8. Doug Petkanics, “The Benefits of Decentralization,” Medium, November 15, 2016, https://medium.com/@petkanics/the-benefits-of-decentralization-aa40c3a448e2.
9. Werner Vermaak, “What is Web 3.0? Decentralized Web Explained,” Coinmarketcap, 2023, https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/what-is-web-30-decentralized-web-explained.
10. Society for Neuroscience, “Brain-Computer Interface Advances Improve Prosthetics, Therapies: Advances Offer Help for Quadriplegic, Stroke, Amputee, and Blind Patients,” Science Daily, November 6, 2018, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181106121415.htm.
11. Oxford Reference, https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095426960.
12. Dave Gershgorn, “The Quartz guide to artificial intelligence: What is it, why is it important, and should we be afraid?” Quartz, September 10, 2017, https://qz.com/1046350/the-quartz-guide-to-artificial-intelligence-what-is-it-why-is-it-important-and-should-we-be-afraid/.
13. João Bocas, “How AI Is Changing Healthcare: From Diagnosis to Treatment,” Digital Salutem, August 24, 2022,, https://digitalsalutem.com/how-ai-is-changing-healthcare-from-diagnosis-to-treatment/.
14. Victoria Woollaston, “Personalised TV: The Future of AI-Powered Entertainment or a Step Too Far?,” E&T, November 29, 2022, https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2022/11/personalised-tv-the-future-of-ai-powered-entertainment-or-a-step-too-far/.
15. Adam Zewe, “Giving Robots Social Skills,” Massachusetts Institute of Technology, November 5, 2021, https://news.mit.edu/2021/robots-social-skills-1105.
16. Mike Thomas, “The Future of Robots and Robotics,” Built In, October 31, 2022, https://builtin.com/robotics/future-robots-robotics.
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