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AI – constructing Babel or rebuilding Jerusalem?

The title of the encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, affirms the irreplaceable value of human beings, a theme which runs through the document. I was struck by the clarity with which Pope Leo lays out briefly the development of the social doctrine of the Church, emphasising the legitimate but distinct roles of Church and state. This gives a sound foundation for evaluating artificial intelligence (AI), and technology more broadly — how it can be used for good whilst it clearly has some built-in dangers? Pope Leo calls AI ‘A valuable tool that requires vigilance.’ AI presents unique challenges, but the criteria we need to judge how to act in response to those challenges are already to hand, in the form of Catholic social teaching.

Undemocratic filibustering or proper scrutiny? The death of the Terminally Ill Bill.

The Terminally Ill bill has run out of time in the House of Lords. Disappointed advocates of the bill to allow assisted suicide claim that the obstructive tactic of filibustering, mainly by a cohort of seven peers, caused the bill to fail. They point to the fact that the Commons voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Bill at its Third Reading by 314 to 291, a narrow majority of 23, and that the House of Lords, as an unelected body, has acted undemocratically in not following the lead of the Commons.

Explaining social justice using the Prodigal Son

In this blog post, I explain the distinction between social and distributive justice in Catholic social teaching, using the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Business ethics and the common good

On the website www.catholicsocialthought.org.uk, there is a set of videos that introduce Catholic social thought and teaching. We continue featuring those videos on the blog with the video on “Business ethics and the common good”. This explores the vital role that business plays in promoting the common good and the importance of the vocation of the business leader being followed ethically. Also available in Portuguese.

Principles of Catholic social thought and teaching

On the website www.catholicsocialthought.org.uk, there is a set of videos that introduce Catholic social thought and teaching. We continue featuring those videos on the blog with the video on Principles of Catholic Social Thought and Teaching which focuses on the four pillars of human dignity, the common good, solidarity and subsidiarity. These are also available in Portuguese .

Rebuilding a Culture of Life: the Brother Jack McArdle Lecture 2025

I thank you for the opportunity to address you for this lecture in honour of Brother Jack McArdle. I thank you for your pro-life work and the constancy with which you have alerted your members to the dangers of legislation against life in England and Wales, Scotland, Ireland and the other islands of Jersey and the Isle of Man. I thank you for your prayers and actions in contacting MPs and Peers and highlighting concerns of the developing legislation.

AI at the Service of Humanity and the Church

Introduction

This article does not address the risks or dangers of artificial intelligence – that subject is covered in multiple places. Nor will it go into the questions that fascinate me as a philosopher: the nature of intelligence, consciousness, self‑awareness, etc. Instead, it will address an important practical topic. I will reflect on how AI can serve humanity and the Church.

The Polycentric Republic – theory of civil order for free and diverse societies

“The Polycentric Republic”, published this year by Routledge, shows how modern ideas of governance neglect the interests and prerogatives of non-State associations and legitimate an imposing sovereign state that jeopardizes the freedom and integrity of communities and associations. In the book, David Thunder invites us to reimagine civil order in a way that is more friendly to the diverse interests and prerogatives of non-state communities and organizations, from churches, schools, and universities to farming co-ops, businesses, villages, and towns.

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