NOTRE DAME, Ind. (WISH) – The largest grant ever awarded to the University of Notre Dame by a private foundation, amounting to $50.8 million, will be directed toward developing an ethical approach to artificial intelligence. The funding comes from Lilly Endowment Inc. and will support the DELTA Network, an initiative launched by the university in September aimed at integrating faith-based principles into the ethical navigation of AI technologies.
“Notre Dame is well-positioned to build bridges between religious leaders and educators, and those creating and using new technologies, so that they might together explore the moral and ethical questions associated with AI,” University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd stated.
As the field of artificial intelligence remains largely unregulated, the initiative responds to the growing need for frameworks that address its ethical implications. In December, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order designed to block state-level AI regulations, indicating a broader trend where governmental oversight has been minimal. Proposals to freeze state-level regulations on AI and eliminate existing rules surrounding deepfakes continue to be debated.
The DELTA Network seeks to create “practical resources” for the public to consider appropriate uses of AI technology. Plans include tailoring programs for young adults, establishing hubs in tech-centric areas like Silicon Valley and the Northeast United States, and organizing events for tech leaders and community members to discuss the principles of DELTA.
Concerns about the ethical ramifications of AI have been underscored by leaders such as Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the necessity of coordinated actions involving various sectors, including politics, institutions, businesses, and religious communities. During a conference on AI, Pope Leo stated, “This requires coordinated and concerted action involving politics, institutions, businesses, finance, education, communication, citizens, and religious communities.”
The DELTA in DELTA Network represents key values: Dignity, Embodiment, Love, Transcendence, and Agency. The university plans to develop “communities of practice” encompassing education, ministry, and public engagement to foster discussions surrounding these values.
“Here at Notre Dame, we’re committed to shaping public thought about how humans can flourish in an AI-driven world by drawing upon our Catholic and Christian tradition,” said Meghan Sullivan, founding director of Notre Dame’s Institute for Ethics and the Common Good. “Given the monumental impact that AI will have on our lives, this work is more vital than ever.”
While the DELTA Network is rooted in Christian values and traditions, the university has stated that it is designed to be accessible to individuals of all faith perspectives. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating ethical considerations into the rapidly evolving AI landscape, reflecting a broader awareness of the societal impacts of technology.
As the conversation around AI continues to grow, particularly in light of its potential for both innovation and harm, initiatives like the DELTA Network may provide crucial frameworks for addressing its ethical challenges. By promoting dialogue and collaboration among various sectors, Notre Dame aims to influence how AI is developed and utilized in ways that prioritize human dignity and ethical integrity.
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