Global Debate on Technology, Ethics and Ecology
International commitment to current research
The commitment of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum to the contemporary debate on ethics, technology and ecology has recently been demonstrated through the participation of two of its eminent professors in international conferences. Il Prof. Fr. Michael Baggot,
L.C. took part in the Human Flourishing Forum 2024 in the Vatican, while Prof. Lílian Santos contributed to the Expanded Reason Conference 2024 in Madrid. These interventions underline the University’s interdisciplinary and international approach to the great ethical and social challenges of our time.
Prof. Michael Baggot and the Frontiers of Technology Prof. Michael Baggot, L.C., Adjunct Professor of the Faculty of Bioethics and Research Scholar of the UNESCO Chair of Bioethics and Human Rights, participated in the Human Flourishing Forum 2024 held at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in the Vatican (23-24 May), organized by Humanity
2.0 (a non-profit organization). In his exhibition Tech Frontiers – Beyond the Doom and Boom Binary explored the future of our society by intertwining with AI. During his speech, Prof. Baggot reflected on the moral implications of artificial intelligence (AI), and drew attention to the risks of uncontrolled technological growth, which could increase social inequalities and undermine respect for human life. However, it has maintained a perspective of deep hope in humanity’s ethical commitment to the use of AI, providing examples and benefits in the context of assisting complex medical diagnoses and for educational purposes, such as online tutoring and translation platforms.
Prof. Lilian Santos and Integral Ecology
Prof. Lilian Santos, Professor of the Faculty of Bioethics and Research Scholar at the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights, participated in the Expanded Reason Conference 2024 in Madrid (10-12 June), Congress of Integral Ecology inspired by the Encyclical Laudato Si’ of Pope Francis, held at the Francisco de Vitoria University. Prof. Santos’ talk explored gene editing and theology from a broader perspective; showing how the global governance of gene editing can be challenged by the ideas of Laudato Si’ and, conversely, how the Encyclical can be inspired by genetic knowledge and the possibilities that exist in the field of gene editing, including some issues not covered by Laudato Si’.
The University’s Commitment in the World
The participation of our professors in these events of international importance reflects the mission of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum to contribute to the global debate on crucial issues for the future of humanity, ensuring respect for human dignity and creation. The institution continues to promote an interdisciplinary dialogue, in which ethics, science and faith meet to face the challenges posed by technological progress and the environmental crisis.
