Professors Naomi Goodno and Chris Goodman Present at Baylor Symposium on Faith and Culture

Professor Naomi Harlin Goodno and professor Chris Chambers Goodman presented at Baylor University's Symposium on Faith and Culture on February 27. The symposium, titled "Technology and the Human Person in the Age of AI," convened theologians, technologists, scientists, administrators, ethicists, and educators to examine ethical and societal questions regarding the advance of artificial intelligence.

Professor Goodno presented "Made in the Image of God, AI-Assisted Crime, and Legal Responsibility" on a panel titled "AI in Legal Practice."

Professor Goodman presented "Artificial Intelligence and the Affront to Human Dignity: Catholic Social Teaching in Context." The presentation began with a discussion of the first millennial Catholic saint, Carlo Acunis, who was canonized in 2025. During his short life, Saint Carlo created websites for priests and churches early in the digital age, and also maintained a website of documented miracles.

After summarizing four basic tenants of Catholic social teaching, the presentation discussed the pros and cons of uses of artificial intelligence in relation to each of these principles. It then explained some research on artificial intelligence, Chatbots, and how they respond to theological questions, both for Catholics and for other religions. The audience included not only professors and scholars, but students from a local Catholic high school.

More information on the symposium may be found at Baylor University