Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming countless aspects of society, including possibly even who we are as persons. AI technologies may affect our flourishing for good or for ill. In this paper, we put forward principled considerations concerning flourishing and AI that are oriented towards ensuring AI technologies are conducive to human flourishing, rather than impeding it. The considerations are intended to help guide discussions around the development of, and engagement with, AI technologies so as to orient them towards the promotion of individual and societal flourishing. Five sets of considerations around flourishing and AI are discussed concerning: (i) the output provided by large language models; (ii) the specific AI product design; (iii) our engagement with those products; (iv) the effects this is having on human knowledge; and (v) the effects this is having on the self-realization of the human person. While not exhaustive, it is argued that each of these sets of considerations must be taken seriously if these technologies are to help promote, rather than impede, flourishing. We suggest that we should ultimately frame all of our thinking on AI technologies around flourishing.
Source: Information
DOI: 10.3390/info17010088
Authors: Tyler J. VanderWeele, Jonathan Teubner
Institution: Harvard University
Language: English
Subfield: Safety Research
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,930
OpenAlex ID: W7124144006