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DBTC Symposium Explores Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Chennai

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DBTC Symposium Explores Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

30 August 2026

Education, Parish / Church,

News reported by: Fr. Lourdu Samy SDB

Don Bosco Theological Centre (DBTC), Kavarapettai, of the Salesian Province of Chennai, organised a symposium on “The Human Person in the Age of AI: Reception of Magnifica Humanitas” at The Citadel, Kilpauk, on August 27. The event focused on human dignity amid the rise of artificial intelligence.

Held three months after the encyclical's publication, the symposium examined its vision of the human person in the context of rapid developments in artificial intelligence. It linked these developments to questions of human dignity. The event brought together around 150 participants, including theologians, philosophers, moral theologians, educators, political experts, and social communication professionals, as well as students, formators, religious, and young people.

The programme was inaugurated by Fr Dr John Alexander SDB, Vice Provincial of Chennai, following the welcome address by Fr Dr John Richard SDB, Principal of DBTC.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Sahayadas Fernando SDB, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the Salesian Pontifical University, Rome. He placed the encyclical within its wider social and technological context, tying its message to the symposium's concern for human dignity amid the growing influence of AI.

Dr Donald Michael presented an anthropological perspective on the human person as created in the image of God and endowed with reason, freedom, relationality and transcendence.

Addressing the ethical and social dimensions of AI, Fr James Kumar CSsR examined the technology through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. He highlighted concerns about justice, labour, inequality, surveillance, algorithmic decision-making, and the common good, all in relation to the symposium’s theme of human dignity.

The implications of AI for education, politics and society in India were explored by Dr Varan Vardhan, with particular attention to the experiences and challenges of Generation Z. Sr Thimena Celine FMA focused on responsible innovation, digital literacy and accountability, stressing that technology must ultimately remain at the service of humanity and human dignity, in line with the symposium's theme.

The presentations and ensuing discussions provided a platform for dialogue between faith, human dignity and technological advancement throughout the symposium, bringing the day's theme into focus. The symposium concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Lourdusamy SDB, Registrar of DBTC.