Quick Buzz Feed

Ignatian Examen on artificial intelligence, Oct. 7

Gary Lloyd | Oct 05,26 | 01:31 EST

Technology

This Examen will help the Marquette community to discern together how to respond to the challenges and opportunities facing society in the age of AI.

Event Purpose and Overview The Office of Faculty Affairs and the Jesuit Community at Marquette University are extending an invitation to the entire Marquette community for a significant event: an Ignatian Examen focused on artificial intelligence. Scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in AMU 163, this gathering represents a proactive step by the university to engage with one of the most transformative technological developments of our time. The core purpose of this Examen is to foster a collective discernment process within the Marquette community, enabling individuals and the institution as a whole to thoughtfully address the multifaceted challenges and abundant opportunities that artificial intelligence presents to society. By facilitating a space for deep reflection, the event aims to empower participants to consider their roles and responsibilities in navigating the complex ethical, social, and practical dimensions of AI. This initiative underscores Marquette’s commitment to not only understanding new technologies but also critically evaluating their impact through a lens shaped by enduring values, ensuring that progress aligns with human flourishing and societal well-being. The session is designed to be accessible to all members, emphasizing that no prior registration is needed, and light refreshments will be provided to encourage a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for dialogue and contemplation. The Ignatian Examen and Jesuit Values in AI Discussion Central to this event is the application of the Ignatian Examen, a profound Jesuit technique for prayerful reflection. This method, a cornerstone of Ignatian spirituality, encourages individuals to pause and reflect on their daily experiences, recognizing the presence and movement of God in all aspects of life. In the context of artificial intelligence, the Examen offers a powerful framework for ethical inquiry, inviting participants to examine their consciences, motivations, and potential actions concerning AI development, deployment, and impact. Marquette University, deeply rooted in its Catholic, Jesuit mission, believes that these values are crucial for finding a way forward in the age of AI. The university strives to cultivate a learning environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are not only welcomed but also deeply valued, ensuring that discussions around AI are rich, inclusive, and comprehensive. The facilitated nature of the Examen, led by members of the Jesuit community alongside faculty and staff, guarantees a guided and thoughtful exploration. This collaborative approach highlights the interdisciplinary nature of AI's challenges, requiring insights from theology, ethics, technology, and various other fields to address questions of fairness, bias, autonomy, and human dignity. By grounding the conversation in its mission, Marquette demonstrates leadership in promoting responsible innovation and ethical engagement with cutting-edge technologies. This free event, supported by the Office of the Provost and Jesuit Community as part of the “What are we building?” initiative, reinforces the university's dedication to intellectual rigor combined with moral discernment in shaping a future influenced by artificial intelligence.

Event Purpose and Overview

The Office of Faculty Affairs and the Jesuit Community at Marquette University are extending an invitation to the entire Marquette community for a significant event: an Ignatian Examen focused on artificial intelligence. Scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in AMU 163, this gathering represents a proactive step by the university to engage with one of the most transformative technological developments of our time. The core purpose of this Examen is to foster a collective discernment process within the Marquette community, enabling individuals and the institution as a whole to thoughtfully address the multifaceted challenges and abundant opportunities that artificial intelligence presents to society. By facilitating a space for deep reflection, the event aims to empower participants to consider their roles and responsibilities in navigating the complex ethical, social, and practical dimensions of AI. This initiative underscores Marquette’s commitment to not only understanding new technologies but also critically evaluating their impact through a lens shaped by enduring values, ensuring that progress aligns with human flourishing and societal well-being. The session is designed to be accessible to all members, emphasizing that no prior registration is needed, and light refreshments will be provided to encourage a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for dialogue and contemplation.

The Ignatian Examen and Jesuit Values in AI Discussion

Central to this event is the application of the Ignatian Examen, a profound Jesuit technique for prayerful reflection. This method, a cornerstone of Ignatian spirituality, encourages individuals to pause and reflect on their daily experiences, recognizing the presence and movement of God in all aspects of life. In the context of artificial intelligence, the Examen offers a powerful framework for ethical inquiry, inviting participants to examine their consciences, motivations, and potential actions concerning AI development, deployment, and impact. Marquette University, deeply rooted in its Catholic, Jesuit mission, believes that these values are crucial for finding a way forward in the age of AI. The university strives to cultivate a learning environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are not only welcomed but also deeply valued, ensuring that discussions around AI are rich, inclusive, and comprehensive. The facilitated nature of the Examen, led by members of the Jesuit community alongside faculty and staff, guarantees a guided and thoughtful exploration. This collaborative approach highlights the interdisciplinary nature of AI's challenges, requiring insights from theology, ethics, technology, and various other fields to address questions of fairness, bias, autonomy, and human dignity. By grounding the conversation in its mission, Marquette demonstrates leadership in promoting responsible innovation and ethical engagement with cutting-edge technologies. This free event, supported by the Office of the Provost and Jesuit Community as part of the “What are we building?” initiative, reinforces the university's dedication to intellectual rigor combined with moral discernment in shaping a future influenced by artificial intelligence.