Faith, Fairness, and Ideological Clashes
In this edition of Expl(ai)ned, a monthly newsletter by The New AI Project, take a sweeping look at how generative AI is reshaping culture, commerce, and global power structures. Taming AI, a column about ethics, regulation, and governance, investigates the intersection of spirituality and artificial intelligence, revealing how Pope Francis is grappling with the Generative Revolution. The AI at Work column examines the potential for intelligent systems to revolutionize recruitment practices while mitigating bias. In Tech Titans, we shine a spotlight on the rising “market challengers” in the shadow of big players like ChatGPT and Gemini. Finally, “When Ideologies Clash” uncovers the geopolitical tensions fueling divergent approaches to AI, signaling a new era of international competition over this transformative technology. Stay informed with The New AI Project’s in-depth analysis of how AI is shaping industries, policy, and global competition on their LinkedIn page.
Experience the Episode
Friday, March 21, 2025 12:00 pm
In this episode of The New AI, John Behrens ’83, Director of Technology and Digital Studies, introduces Graham Wolfe, Editor in Chief of The New AI Project‘s Explained series in a discussion that also features Professor Walter Scheirer and student expert Claire Hill. They dive into topics such as AI’s impact on disinformation, the ethical dilemmas faced by developers, regulatory frameworks in different regions, and the role of AI in fostering human flourishing. Additionally, Walter shares insights from his books and emphasizes the importance of virtuous technology use. Tune in for a deep conversation on navigating the evolving digital landscape with AI.
The New AI is sponsored on ThinkND by the Technology and Digital Studies Program in the College of Arts & Letters. This program collaborates with the Computer Science and Engineering Department and other departments around the University to offer the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, the Minor in Data Science, and the Idzik Computing & Digital Technologies Minor.
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MoreThe Pope on AI
What does the Pope have to say about AI? While tech leaders debate AI’s future, Pope Francis is tackling its moral implications—reminding us that no algorithm can replicate the depth of human experience. His latest guidance could shape not only spiritual perspectives but also global AI policy. Read more about techno-determinism and the Vatican’s perspective on artificial intelligence in this Taming AI column by Clare Hill.
AI-Powered Hiring: Faster, Smarter, but is it Fair?
AI is deciding who gets hired—but is it fair, or just faster? AI is transforming hiring—making recruitment faster and more efficient—but is it truly fair? As companies embrace AI-driven hiring, concerns over bias, transparency, and a growing double standard for job seekers raise critical questions around the ethics of hiring in the generative revolution. Read more about the future of work in this column by Mary Claire Anderson.
New Heavyweights: A Look at Anthropic, xAI, and the Models Previously Unknown
The next big AI breakthroughs aren’t coming from where you think—meet the underdogs challenging ChatGPT and Gemini. While ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini dominate headlines, xAI and Anthropic are quietly building AI models that could reshape the future of research, enterprise, and everyday problem-solving. Discover why these under-the-radar contenders deserve your attention in this Tech Titans column by Aiden Gilroy.
When Ideologies Clash: How Different Superpowers Approach AI Regulation
AI isn’t just about tech, it’s about power. The US, the EU, and China are shaping the future of artificial intelligence with three different approaches. While the U.S. bets on innovation with minimal regulation, the EU enforces strict oversight, and China bets on state-backed AI investment. These competing ideologies could define the next global AI superpower. Find out what’s at stake in this Taming AI column by Clare Hill.