TLDR: At the third International Conference of Young Buddhist Scholars in Delhi, participants urged for the development of ethically guided artificial intelligence. They emphasized integrating compassion, empathy, and cultural sensitivity into AI design, aiming for emotionally intelligent and morally responsible AI to protect Buddhist heritage. The ‘Middle Path’ was proposed as a framework to balance technological advancement with ethical integrity.
Young Buddhist scholars and religious organizations convened in Delhi for the third International Conference of Young Buddhist Scholars, where they passionately advocated for the creation of artificial intelligence systems guided by strong ethical principles. The conference, themed ‘Wisdom Transmission in Buddha Dhamma in the 21st Century,’ was hosted at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) with support from the Ministry of Culture. Scholars from various nations, including Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Taiwan, and India, participated in the discussions.
During a panel discussion titled ‘Buddha Dhamma, Technology and AI,’ participants explored how ancient Buddhist wisdom could provide an ethical foundation for innovation in the digital age. A key proposal from the conference was the establishment of a ‘powerful ethical framework’ for artificial intelligence. One scholar, in her paper, emphasized this need, while a monk expressed concern over ‘the absent heart’ of AI. He suggested developing machines with ‘a digital mind’ but also ‘a heart with compassion,’ advocating for AI to be taught ‘to have empathy.’
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The discussions underscored the importance of inclusive and mindful technology that ‘honours tradition while shaping a humane future.’ The scholars stressed the necessity for emotionally intelligent and morally responsible AI to safeguard Buddhist heritage. The ‘Middle Path,’ a core Buddhist principle, was put forward as a practical framework for achieving a balance between rapid technological progress and unwavering ethical integrity.
