Pope Leo XIV has condemned artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential threat to human dignity, a concern that extends beyond the devoutly faithful. David Durman, a nontheistic Humanist, recently obtained a religious exemption from the use of AI in his workplace. “Humanism encompasses a set of beliefs regarding the human experience and the interactions individuals have with the world,” Durman, an administrator at the University of Kentucky, stated, according to hinews. It emphasizes “human well-being and flourishing, both on an individual and collective level […] and encourages individuals to enhance their own well-being and that of those around them.” As he observed the increasing prevalence of AI in everyday life, Durman approached the American Humanist Association (AHA)—a nonprofit organization promoting secular humanism—to explore how he could secure legal protections against mandatory AI use at work. He contends that the adoption of this technology contradicts his principles. “The way we become moral agents for ourselves and others is through the active engagement of our minds, and the reduction of that [due to AI usage] will inevitably negatively impact our capacity to do so,” he remarked, contemplating how excessive reliance on AI could hinder critical thinking.
In a statement released by the AHA earlier this week, Durman expressed, “AI is disrupting individuals’ ability to earn a living, the environmental repercussions pose a grave threat to humanity and our planet, and its encroachment upon and appropriation of human creativity jeopardizes cultural elements such as art and literature that contribute to societal flourishing.” Humanism does not oppose religion; rather, it often resonates with individuals who are skeptical of deities or supernatural forces while still seeking a scientific and ethical framework for their lives. “Concerns regarding AI and human dignity can be found across various faiths and traditions, whether they stem from Catholic teachings, Universalism, or Humanism. We want Humanists or nontheists to recognize that they belong to these categories and that they are also legally protected in the workplace,” stated Alexandria Huiskens, Staff Attorney at the AHA, according to hinews.
Durman is the first Humanist to obtain workplace accommodations that permit him to refrain from using AI, and he is among the first to publicly address his quest for such protections. His motivation was sparked by the case of Erin Maus, a Unitarian Universalist and software engineer, who successfully secured similar accommodations for herself. “For me, this was about my own convictions,” Durman remarked. “I’m certainly not trying to dictate how others should think or feel… But I do hope that it inspires those with similar concerns to seek out not necessarily a religious exemption, but to advocate for their concerns in whatever manner they find most suitable.” A spokesperson for the University of Kentucky, Jay Blanton, informed hinews that the institution evaluates requests for religious accommodations on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the employee’s job duties and the specifics of the request. “In this instance, the university concluded that an accommodation could be granted while allowing the employee to continue fulfilling the essential functions of their role,” Blanton stated. “As technology and job responsibilities evolve, accommodations may be reassessed to ensure they remain reasonable and feasible.” Maus’ situation is particularly noteworthy, as it has become increasingly uncommon for software engineers to write code without AI assistance. However, in Durman’s administrative capacity, which involves supporting researchers in grant applications, he has not been mandated to utilize AI at work. Like many professionals across various sectors, some of his colleagues and superiors have suggested that employees experiment with these tools, prompting him to secure his exemption preemptively, in case such recommendations evolve into requirements in the future. “I hope that if [others] share similar sentiments, they feel motivated to seek some form of resolution,” Durman concluded.
