Project Leader: Rev. Prof. Dr. hab. Piotr Roszak
The VISTA Project aims to conduct an in-depth, interdisciplinary analysis of the impact of emerging technologies—particularly those related to automation, artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and brain-computer interfaces—on individual well-being, social transformation, and the spiritual sphere. The research team intends to reflect on the opportunities and risks associated with technology, considering not only empirical scientific perspectives but also philosophy, ethics, theology, and social sciences.
Project Objectives:
- Analyze existential risks associated with technological development, such as AGI, transhumanism, and digitalization of consciousness;
- Study the impact of technology on human well-being, including spirituality, empathy, and communication skills;
- Explore the relationship between brain structure and religious experiences (neurotheology);
- Assess the social and economic consequences of digital transformation;
- Examine quality of life and spirituality in individuals with cochlear implants;
- Identify developmental barriers and differential risks in peripheral regions in the context of socio-spatial transformation.
Research Methods:
The project will employ a variety of research methods, including:
- Advanced neuroimaging techniques (e.g., fMRI) in studies of religiosity;
- Quantitative and qualitative analyses of digital experiences and social attitudes toward emerging technologies;
- Empirical studies on the impact of cochlear implants on well-being and spirituality;
- Sociological, economic, and geographical analyses of societal vulnerability to technological risks;
- Case studies and comparative research across different social and age groups.
Research Lines:
- Development of technology ethics and proposals for regulatory frameworks (legal and ethical);
- Investigating the influence of technology on the formation of spiritual and community values;
- Strategies for risk management and resilience-building in groups at risk of exclusion;
- Economic and political analysis of technological risks, including recommendations for the labor market;
- Identification of compensatory mechanisms between the physical, cognitive, and spiritual domains in the context of well-being.
The project has the potential to generate innovative recommendations for public policy, raise awareness of technological risks, and promote responsible technological development. Its interdisciplinary nature and openness to collaboration with European institutions enhance its impact and significance on an international scale.