Dr. Michael Kolta recently participated in a panel discussion entitled “AI Ethics: The Challenges of Developing Learner-Centric Critical Thinking while Maintaining Moral Autonomy” at the 2025 Christian Business Faculty Association (CBFA) Annual Conference.
The discussion brought together scholars from philosophy, business ethics, and computer science to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education, human development, and moral reasoning. The panel examined questions such as:
- How can educators foster critical thinking in an age of AI-driven automation?
- What responsibilities do developers and teachers share in ensuring ethical AI design?
- How might AI affect learner autonomy and moral agency in higher education?
Dr. Kolta contributed his perspective as a computer scientist and ethicist, drawing on insights from his recent book, Christian Ethics in Computers, Software, and Artificial Intelligence. His remarks emphasized the importance of integrating philosophical and theological ethics into the design and implementation of intelligent systems, particularly in educational contexts where human formation remains central.
The panel’s combined work underscores a growing concern among educators and researchers: while AI offers powerful tools for efficiency and learning, it also poses profound ethical questions about dependence, autonomy, and the essence of human wisdom.
Read or download the full conference paper here:
AI Ethics: The Challenges of Developing Learner-Centric Critical Thinking while Maintaining Moral Autonomy (CBFA 2025 PDF)