Ad maiorem Dei gloriam

Jesuit AI Ethics

A framework, a rubric, and a workshop · Catholic Social Teaching · the Rome Call · Ignatian discernment

Assessment Rubric

Five questions, in the manner of an Examen

St. Ignatius asked his companions to review each day with honest attention. What happened, where was the good, where was the drift. These five questions do the same for an AI initiative. Each pairs a probe of intent with a probe of structure, since a system's ethics show up in its design more than in its mission statement.

i.Who benefits first?

  • Does the design center those with the greatest need? (Preferential option for the poor)
  • Or does it serve institutional convenience first and adapt for the vulnerable later?

ii.What happens when it fails?

  • Are fallback mechanisms in place? (Reliability)
  • Does failure route to human support? (Subsidiarity)

iii.What data is collected and why?

  • Is collection minimized? (Security and privacy)
  • Is retention limited and purpose bounded? (Human dignity)

iv.Who maintains it?

  • Is there sustainable stewardship? (Responsibility)
  • Does the community have ownership? (Solidarity)

v.Does it connect or isolate?

  • Does the system strengthen human relationships? (Subsidiarity)
  • Or does it create dependency on technology? (Common good)

Print it and bring it to the committee meeting.