Philosophy, Ethics of AI Explored at UST Conference

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape society, scholars at the University of St. Thomas will gather Feb. 13 for an international conference examining AI through the lens of philosophy, responsibility, ethics and the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Hosted by the UST's Center for Thomistic Studies and Cameron School of Business, the International Conference on the Philosophy of AI will bring together philosophers from Houston, Dallas, Poland and Italy to address what organizers describe as "some of the most pressing questions of the new AI era."

"The development of AI opens new avenues for progress," said Dr. Mirela Oliva, professor of philosophy at UST. "The White House recently issued an AI action plan highlighting the opportunities AI can bring for an industrial revolution and a cultural renaissance. At the same time, the plan warns about the risks of AI and calls for responsible use."

Dr. Oliva noted that AI has sparked strong reactions across society, ranging from enthusiasm to fear, and those reactions stem from AI's proximity to what defines the human person.

"AI is a new technological tool that both excites and scares our society," she said. "While other technologies served especially our bodily needs, AI comes close to the territory of the human mind. We react so strongly because what defines us as human beings is at stake."

The conference will explore questions at the heart of that concern, including how AI differs from human intelligence, its benefits and dangers, and how it should be developed and used responsibly.

"Philosophy plays an important role in the debate over AI's capabilities and risks because it reflects on what it means to be human," Dr. Oliva said. "More specifically, in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, philosophy reflects on human dignity in the image of God."

That focus on human dignity, she said, offers guidance for evaluating both the promise and the limits of artificial intelligence.

"The spiritual nature of the human person guides our understanding of the difference between AI and the human mind, as well as the moral questions raised by AI development," Dr. Oliva said.

The daylong conference will take place at the University of St. Thomas-Houston and will feature two moderated sessions. The morning session begins at 10 a.m. with introductory remarks from Dr. Beena George, interim dean of the Cameron School of Business, followed by presentations from scholars at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Rice University and the University of Dallas. The afternoon session includes speakers from Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Houston Community College and the UST.

Dr. George said the conference reflects the University's commitment to ethical reflection alongside technological advancement.

"As AI becomes more deeply embedded in business and daily life, Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that innovation must always be ordered toward the dignity of the human person and the common good," Dr. George said. "This conference highlights how ethics, faith and reason can inform the responsible development and use of AI, perpetuating that technology serves humanity - not the other way around."

Organizers emphasized that the conference is designed to foster serious reflection rather than simple technical enthusiasm.

"This conference addresses fundamental questions," Dr. Oliva said. "What is AI, and how does it differ from human intelligence? What are its benefits and dangers? How should we develop and use it responsibly?"

The event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is required. See the full schedule. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., and lunch, coffee and snacks will be provided for attendees.