Commentary

The concept of the inviolability of the person is an ancient one, deeply rooted in philosophical, legal, and spiritual traditions. It asserts that human beings possess an inherent dignity that must be respected and protected. This principle has shaped our understanding of human rights and the laws designed to safeguard them.

Historically, the inviolability of the person has been intertwined with the idea of being made in the image of God, or “imago Dei,” as articulated in Christian theology. This belief underscores the notion that humans are unique creations, deserving of respect and protection. The ancient story of creation, where divinity breathes life into man, highlights the sacredness of human existence. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27 NKJV.

Martin Luther King, Jr., reminded the American people during the Civil Rights uprising, that:

“The whole concept of the imago Dei, as it is expressed in Latin, the ‘image of God,’ is the idea that all men have something within them that God injected. Not that they have substantial unity with God, but that every man has a capacity to have fellowship with God. And this gives him a uniqueness, it gives him worth, it gives him dignity. And we must never forget this as a nation: there are not gradations in the image of God… We will know one day that God made us to live together as brothers and to respect the dignity and worth of every man.”

Throughout history, however, this principle was often violated. From the barbaric acts of ancient tribes to the atrocities of the fascist movement in Europe, humanity has witnessed numerous instances where the dignity of individuals was disregarded. The horrors of World War II, particularly the systematic destruction of the Jewish people in concentration camps, served as a stark reminder of the need for robust protections against such violations.

In the aftermath of World War II, there was a global recognition that protecting human beings required more than just positive law. There emerged a metaphysical understanding that human beings are worthy of respect, and that the state must not arbitrarily abuse or persecute them. This realization led to the establishment of human rights charters and laws that explicitly protect individuals from discrimination based on race, religion, political beliefs, age, sex, and other characteristics.

Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). On one hand, AI holds the promise of enhancing human flourishing, particularly for those with physical and mental disabilities. The potential for AI to assist individuals in walking again, seeing again, or regaining other lost abilities is indeed hopeful.

On the other hand, there is a growing skepticism about the implications of AI. As AI continues to develop, there is a fear that it may surpass human intelligence, leading to a scenario where AI lacks respect for humanity. The concern is that AI may not possess the caring disposition necessary to respect human dignity.

The big tech firms recognize that this technology will replace human workers, resulting in a greater piece of the world’s $100 trillion economic output falling into the hands of those who own AI.

As AI goes beyond human control, critics warn that the technology will improve to point of surpassing complex human thought and ingenuity. Already, mental health professionals observe that the reliance on AI we use for daily activities could lead to a “dumbing down” of human mental and physical capabilities. As humans become more dependent on AI, there is a risk that they may lose their ability to think critically and perform tasks independently.

Another significant concern is the potential use of AI in modern warfare. Nations are racing to obtain dominance in this field, claiming economic imperatives. However, at heart is an underlying demand for what AI will do to increase military power. We are in the midst a military revolution that makes all previous revolutions seem but a particle of sand on the beach.

While the military planners recognize that intelligence is power, there are major players openly admitting that we are fast approaching artificial superintelligence that cannot be controlled. Cataclysmic mass destruction of humanity by AI is no longer an imaginary fear.

Gregory Hinton, known as the “godfather of AI” worries that there is a 10 percent to 20 percent chance of AI wiping out humans from the planet. Upon reflection of his career, he regrets not developing safety mechanisms for humans in AI instead of concentrating on making AI work.

In light of these challenges, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in upholding the principle of the inviolability of the person. Have we already reached the point of no return? Is artificial superintelligence our immediate future? We must ensure that the development and use of AI are guided by ethical considerations that prioritize human dignity and respect. The protection of human beings must remain paramount, even in an age of rapid technological advancement.

Are we willing to forego the so-called benefits of AI until we can guarantee that it will not violate the fundamental principle of human inviolability? Only by doing so can we ensure that the dignity of the person remains intact, even in the face of unprecedented technological change. God helps us maintain the Imago Dei!

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Originally published by The Epoch Times, August 28, 2025.