A Pontifical and an American university promote ethics and education in AI era

By Vatican News staff reporter

The conference “Learning by Doing. Ethics and Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” was held in Rome at the Pontifical Antonianum University, in collaboration with Mississippi State University.

The initiative is part of the activities of the International Observatory for Integral Intelligence, Ethics, and Public Value, established by the Pontifical Antonianum University with Formez PA and CSI Piemonte. The Observatory focuses on research and cooperation on the ethical, legal, and cultural aspects of artificial intelligence.

The agreement with Mississippi State University, the University's Provost David Shaw explains, includes two main areas, namely collaboration on “the legal and social implications of digital transition and integrative intelligence” and the development of study opportunities in Rome for students from both institutions.

A student residence project in Rome is also underway.

According to Dr. Shaw, the goal is to offer “a rich opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in Italian history, culture, arts, and higher education,” with support from the Pontifical Antonianum University.

He noted that as a research university, his university embraces technical innovation. However, as a public institution, he noted that it "must also ask: What are the ethical boundaries? What risks accompany rapid deployment? How do we ensure that digitalization becomes a value to the public, rather than a detriment?"

During the conference, Professor Giuseppe Torre defined “integral intelligence” as the ability to connect “technique and meaning, efficiency and dignity, knowledge and wisdom.”

Moreover, students participating expressed great interest in the subject matter.

Brianna Croft described studying in Rome as “an incredible opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom,” while Luke Mattox noted the value of engaging with “history, culture, and academics” in a different context.

The project is supported by donors Laura and Mike McDaniel, who emphasized the importance of international experience, citing the idea that “travel is fatal to prejudice.”

The Mississippi State delegation also met Pope Leo XIV during their visit to Rome.

Dr. Shaw described the meeting as “incredibly moving” and highlighted the support for the partnership with the Pontifical Antonianum University.