Rapid advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping human production and daily life, yet they also bring global challenges such as algorithmic bias, the digital divide, and technological ethics. The 2026 Nishan Forum on World Civilizations has designated “Artificial Intelligence and Universal Harmony” as a sub-topic, exploring the civilizational questions underlying technological development.

Participating scholars generally agreed that technology is not merely a tool, but a key variable in shaping the future form of civilization. Algorithmic bias may deepen cultural divides, the digital divide may widen development gaps, and blurred boundaries in technological ethics may trigger trust crises. These challenges urgently require answers through civilizational dialogue.

"AI can compute rapidly, but the judgment of 'whether it should be done' ultimately rests with humans," said Lu Zequan, a researcher at the Research Management Department of the Nishan World Center for Confucian Studies. He emphasized that efficiency should not be the sole criterion; it is insufficient to focus solely on how quickly a society develops—we must also consider in which direction that society is heading.

Riccardo Pozzo, Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, called for technology to remain bound by moral traditions, arguing that while AI can replace human computation, it cannot replace human value judgment.

In the face of the knowledge explosion brought about by AI, scholars argued that both openness and boundaries are necessary. Wang Xia, Vice President of the Laozi Research Institute, stated that in confronting AI, we must neither reject technological progress nor allow the unchecked expansion of knowledge, but rather find a balance between openness and restraint.

If Confucius were living in the present day and faced the various challenges posed by AI, could he find a way to overcome them?

Wei Yanhua, vice president of the Confucius Research Institute, raised this question during the discussion. He believes that the enduring continuity of Chinese civilization over more than five thousand years stems from its underlying principle of "inheritance and adaptation" —namely, adhering to what should be preserved and making necessary adjustments where required. When facing artificial intelligence, it is equally important to strike a balance between upholding fundamental principles and fostering innovation; the newer the technology, the greater the need to remain clear-headed.

Ancient wisdom may not provide a definitive answer, but it reminds us that no matter how fast technology advances, we must never forget why we set out in the first place. Confucianism advocates that "benevolence and love for others" and "do not impose on others what you do not desire," providing a profound ethical foundation for building responsible AI.

Through their discussions, the scholars reached a consensus: to guide technology toward a positive direction through civilizational dialogue, ensuring that the development of artificial intelligence consistently serves the comprehensive progress of humanity.