On Friday, December 20, 2024, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew officially opened the 4th International Ecological Well-Being Conference, themed “Artificial Intelligence, Technoethics, and Youth,” at the Marasleio School. The conference, organized by the Laboratory of Applied Philosophy at the Department of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, is being held under the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s patronage.
During his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized the thorough examination of artificial intelligence during the recent Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne, where Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivered a insightful presentation. He also mentioned the scientific conference organized by the Synodal Committee on Bioethics of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the significant conference hosted by the Theological School of Athens, which have contributed to a deeper understanding of this crucial issue.
The Ecumenical Patriarch stated that “the Orthodox Church and its theology do not turn a blind eye to the modern world, cultural and scientific developments, social events, or the historical conditions that influence the lives of the faithful.”
He highlighted that the Orthodox tradition provides essential principles and truths for humanity and the world, requiring serious theological effort to address contemporary challenges such as artificial intelligence. The Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized the importance of theology engaging with modern issues and reaffirmed its role as a “theology of dialogue” that values the sanctity of the human person.
Furthermore, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his belief that advancements in science and technology can contribute to genuine progress when used responsibly and ethically, without conflicting with fundamental moral and spiritual principles. He emphasized the harmony between faith and science as demonstrated by the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church in 2016.
The Ecumenical Patriarch also focused on the role of young people in the context of artificial intelligence, encouraging them to cultivate “spiritual intelligence” by exploring the spiritual and cultural treasures of the Orthodox Tradition. He acknowledged the importance of instilling respect for the human person and the environment in young minds and hearts, highlighting the role of young people in promoting justice, peace, and solidarity.
Professor Evangelos Protopapadakis, Director of the Laboratory of Applied Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and the MSc program Animals: Ethics, Law, Welfare, also addressed the audience prior to the Ecumenical Patriarch’s speech.
Moreover, at the inaugural session, a speech was delivered by Archon Konstantinos Delikostantis, Professor Emeritus of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The event was graced by the presence of Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, clergy, Consul Athanasia Iliaki, who represented the Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, as well as university professors and participants of the Conference. The speech by the Ecumenical Patriarch can be viewed starting at 52:20.
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