Dear Parishioners,
BASIC
Back in the 1980s, I learned the computer language BASIC (Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code). Here is an example of a BASIC program:
10 REM This is a BASIC program.
20 INPUT "Are you joyful? (Y or N)"; A$
30 IF (A$ = "Y" OR A$ = "y") THEN GOTO 60
40 IF (A$ = "N" OR A$ = "n") THEN GOTO 80
50 GOTO 20
60 PRINT "Praise God!"
70 GOTO 90
80 PRINT "God have mercy!"
90 END
Artificial Intelligence
AI is short for Artificial Intelligence. It refers to computer programs more complicated than the one above, but they are still computer programs. They are not alive, but they can simulate life like my program does.
The YouTube AI suggested that I watch the Tucker Carlson interview of Bishop Robert Barron at the top of this message. YouTube AI's suggestion was on the mark not because it thinks but because the computer program looked at many inputs and produced the output of the Barron interview.
Bishop Barron
The interview is long. I've never watched Carlson before, but I have been following Bishop Barron upon the recommendation of my brother. I was amazed at Bishop Barron's knowledge, understanding, and wisdom regarding so many important topics. He's very much a philosopher.
It's good for us to be mindful of important things so that lesser things like AI don't derail us. Rather, being grounded in the things of God will allow us to use AI for good.
God love you,
Fr. Jim