Building the Civilization of Love
Conference "Ecology, Economy, Eucharist" - 16 December 2023
Simone Tropea discusses the critical intersection of technology and human values, emphasizing the importance of integrating ethical considerations into technological advancements. He highlights the dual nature of technology as both a tool for progress and a potential source of ethical dilemmas.
Tropea argues that as technology evolves, it must be guided by principles that promote human dignity and well-being. He stresses the role of education in fostering a culture of ethical awareness among developers and users of technology. By embedding ethical principles into the design and implementation of technology, society can ensure that technological advancements contribute positively to human life.
Tropea also underscores the need for collaborative efforts across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government, to create a framework that supports ethical innovation. He calls for ongoing dialogue and cooperation to address the complex ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies, ensuring that they serve the common good and enhance the human experience.
Father Riccardo Lufrani explores the profound relationship between spirituality and technology, emphasizing the necessity of integrating spiritual values into the digital age. He asserts that technology should serve as a means to enhance human spirituality and not detract from it.
Lufrani highlights the role of technology in fostering a sense of community and solidarity, encouraging the use of digital platforms to promote social cohesion and support. He underscores the importance of using technology to disseminate positive messages and spiritual teachings, thus reinforcing the moral and ethical fabric of society.
Furthermore, Lufrani calls for a balanced approach to technology, where it complements rather than replaces human interaction and spiritual practices. He advocates for the responsible and mindful use of technology, ensuring it aligns with the principles of love, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
Lufrani concludes by urging religious leaders and technologists to collaborate in creating a digital environment that upholds and promotes spiritual values, fostering a more connected and compassionate world.
Carlo Alberto Cavallo highlights the pervasive issue of mental distress, noting that 970 million people globally suffer from it, according to the World Health Organization. He humorously suggests halving this number, emphasizing that mental health issues are often hidden and unaddressed, likening them to dust swept under the rug.
Cavallo observes that societal resilience is being replaced by a sense of collapse, evident in the monochromatic choices in car colors, symbolizing a growing black-and-white worldview. He recounts his journey from exploring semiotics and semantics in academia to working in television, where issues were sensationalized rather than solved.
Transitioning to the study of symbols, Cavallo developed an app for dream interpretation, which uses symbols to help individuals gain self-awareness. The app's value system is dynamically updated by users, reflecting an interconnectedness similar to the concept of quantum entanglement. Cavallo concludes by stressing the app's purpose: to bring hidden issues to light and address them proactively.
