A CATHOLIC FRAMEWORK FOR ETHICAL AI

The Dignity Filter

There is only one overriding criterion: human dignity.

Every other consideration (efficiency, cost, scale, convenience) is subordinate to this. Technology exists to serve the human person, never the reverse.

01THE THREE QUESTIONS

Ask these first. If the answer to any one is wrong, stop. AI should not be used.

Does the person end up closer to genuine human connection, or further from it?

AI's highest use is connecting people to real community, real expertise, and real relationship. The test is the net effect on genuine human connection.

Would the person on the other end feel deceived?

Transparency is non-negotiable. The question is not merely if the user is aware they are using AI, it's "does the experience create a false sense of being known?"

Does this erode human capability?

AI should sharpen human ability, not dull it. If the person using this tool is gradually losing the skill, judgment, or knowledge they once had, the tool is not helping - it is replacing them by degrees.

02THE DECISION FLOW

START HERE

STEP 1 Is the bottleneck mechanical? If the real problem is structure, people,
or funding, AI will mask it. Name the root
cause first. Bridge, not bandage.

STOP Not a tech problem

YES

STEP 2 Where does AI sit in the solution? Determine whether AI touches the task,
informs the person, or stands where
a person should be.

RED

STOP AI as substitute

GREEN / YELLOW

GREEN - Tool

YELLOW - Assistant

YES

STEP 3 Are the five obligations met?

FIX FIRST Address gaps, then retry

FIVE OBLIGATIONS

Data SovereigntyTheir data belongs to them. Access, export, delete. No exceptions.

TransparencyNever hide that AI is involved. The person always knows.

ReversibilityThey can walk away without losing their work, data, or capability.

ProportionalityAI only accesses what it needs for the task. Collect the minimum.

Knowing When to StopA tool stays in its lane. Green stays green. Yellow works toward handoff.

YES

PROCEED with confidence

START HERE

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STEP 1 Is the bottleneck mechanical? If the real problem is structure, people, or funding, AI will mask it. Name the root cause first. Then decide if AI is a bridge or a bandage.

YES ↓ Continue

NO × Not a tech problem. Stop.

↓

STEP 2 Where does AI sit in the solution? Determine whether AI touches the task, informs the person, or stands where a person should be.

GREEN / YELLOW ↓ Continue

RED × AI as substitute. Stop.

GREEN - Tool YELLOW - Assistant

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