As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the landscape of global industry and education, professors in the Anderson University College of Business and Economics wrote portions of Leading with Faith and Ethics in an AI World, a newly-released book published by IGI Global. The book’s intent is to challenge leaders to look beyond the technical capabilities of the machine and focus on the character of the human behind it.
Dr. Jeffrey Moore of the Anderson University College of Business and Economics asserts that the key to using AI tools is making sure they are human-centric. He compares this early stage of AI to the time when pocket calculators came out and how both developments have impacted critical thinking skills.
Dr. Moore’s chapter, titled “A New Moral Renaissance: Forming Leaders for a Flourishing Future,” argues that the most significant challenge of the AI era is not technical, but moral and spiritual. He commented, “The central question is not only, ‘What can AI do?’ but also, ‘What kind of people will guide it?’”
In his research, Dr. Moore submits that as AI increasingly influences decision-making, work environments and educational structures, there is an urgent need for leaders who are deeply formed in character, wisdom and discernment. He suggests that the rapid advancement of technology necessitates a “moral renaissance”—a return to foundational ethical principles and a commitment to human flourishing. Dr. Moore also notes that educators in Christian higher education have an important role in terms of how a person’s identity in Christ informs the way they use AU tools for the benefit of communities and organizations.
This focus on ethical leadership is a recurring theme within the new book. Even as AI impacts entry-level opportunities, the “art of questioning, conversation and persuasion” remains a vital human skill.
The work of Dr. Moore and his colleagues aligns with the University’s pillars of Great Academics and Great Faith, as well as its broader commitment to transformative education. By addressing the intersection of cutting-edge technology and timeless ethical leadership, his work exemplifies the University’s mission to prepare students for both professional success and purposeful living.
“We are in a period where AI is reshaping how we think about almost every aspect of our lives,” Dr. Moore commented. “If we do not have leaders who are committed to the flourishing of all people, we risk letting the technology dictate our values rather than our values guiding the technology.”
Leading with Faith and Ethics in an AI World provides a framework for educators and executives alike to navigate the complexities of the 21st-century workplace. Dr. Moore emphasizes that while AI can process data at unprecedented speeds, it lacks the capacity for moral judgment—a uniquely human trait that must be protected and nurtured.
Moore points out that the book’s audience is primarily institutional, such as university libraries other applications where it would be available for students or faculty to use in classrooms where this topic is being taught and discussed.
Leading with Faith and Ethics in an AI World is now available through IGI Global and major academic book retailers. The collection features insights from various scholars on how faith-based perspectives can provide a necessary anchor in an increasingly automated world.
For more information about the Anderson University Center for Leadership and Organizations and its programs, visit andersonuniversity.edu.