Theologizing on Artificial Intelligence in Elderly Care

• Main Author: Pugeda, Teofilo Giovan S.
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2024
• Subjects: Artificial intelligence; dignity; elderly; healthcare; justice; technology; Artificial Intelligence and Robotics; Arts and Humanities; Bioethics and Medical Ethics; Life Sciences; Practical Theology; Religion; Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/theology-faculty-pubs/98; https://doi.org/10.1177/00243639241273790
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

As the number of elderly persons rises, there is a gradual increase in reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) to augment healthcare systems. How do we interpret AI in elderly care (EC) in light of the Catholic theological tradition? As far as the literature goes to date, there is still much room for discourse. For this reason, this article hopes to contribute in that regard and, more importantly, to encourage others to further the discourse. In the present commentary, I first examine some aging trends in the world population. Afterward, I briefly describe AI use in healthcare, especially for EC. I then explore prominent ethical concerns related to it. Finally, I theologically reflect on using AI for EC vis-à-vis the magisterial teachings on aging and AI.