The Thomistic Institute AI and Ethics I Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
Sep 4, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Fr. Anselm Ramelow, a philosophy professor at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, delves into the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. He examines the moral implications of autonomous technologies and their impact on human responsibility and empathy. The conversation touches on the balance between efficiency and morality in AI, the potential de-skilling of essential human capabilities, and the profound effects of technology on personal identity and societal roles.
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Episode notes
De‑skilling Creates Fragile Dependence
- Technical de-skilling happens when machines perform practiced tasks for us.
- Fr. Anselm warns this leads to backup-systems atrophy and vulnerability if tech fails.
Skills Form Virtues Through Practice
- Technical skill loss often produces moral de‑skilling because virtues form by practice.
- Driving and other risky tasks teach patience, responsibility, and care for others.
War Without Vulnerability Warps Character
- Autonomous weapons remove human responsibility and alter who we become morally.
- Fr. Anselm stresses that hiding from vulnerability in war changes human character.
