A fundamental question
In an era marked by an increasing virtualization of human experience and an ever-increasing development of theartificial intelligenceA fundamental question once again becomes central: in a world increasingly governed by algorithms and AI-based applications, will there be room for natural consciousness? This question, expressed by National President Massimo Buconi, prompted the meeting organized by the Italian Hunting Federation to promote a cultural reflection capable of putting the human person back at the center, especially in an era marked by a profound digital revolution. In a context where technology increasingly tends to redefine the relationship between humans, nature, and society, it becomes crucial to reaffirm a vision in which innovation remains at the service of humanity and not vice versa, restoring the centrality of the person, averting the risk that the cold logic of data and a vision heavily tainted by extremist ideologies reinforce the temptation to artificially equate humans, animals, and nature in an absolute horizontality, thus emptying the role of the person of meaning.
Man and nature
A topic only seemingly distant from the conscious and respectful enjoyment afforded by humankind's careful management of nature and the environment through its many activities, including hunting. President Buconi explained the initiative's meaning in his opening remarks: "Hunting is often discussed in this room, but today's meeting has a special significance. In the world of artificial intelligence, we must ask ourselves whether there will be room for natural consciousness, for emotions, and for an authentic connection with nature. This is why we wanted to engage with Monsignor Paglia—Archbishop and President Emeritus of the Pontifical Academy for Life—to develop a reflection that helps place the relationship between humans and animals in its proper place within the new digital revolution." Buconi emphasized how hunting represents one of the most concrete experiences of connecting with the land and the natural environment, especially in an era when many aspects of life risk becoming increasingly virtual. Hunting is an activity as old as humanity itself, based on direct experience, anticipation, and knowledge of nature. In a historical moment when there's a growing tendency to replace human relationships with animal ones, it's important to develop the right reflections.
New technologies
Moderating the debate was Attorney Giulia Guerrini, who, recalling Monsignor Paglia's essay, "The Algorithm of Life: Ethics and Artificial Intelligence," highlighted how the central focus of the reflection is human consciousness, which the text identifies as the crucial element for governing technological development and directing it toward the good of humanity. The essay proposes an ethical approach to artificial intelligence, ensuring that new technologies remain tools at the service of humanity and not become instruments of control or domination. A broad reflection on the relationship between technology, ethics, and the future of humanity was at the heart of the Prelate's response: "For the first time in history, humanity finds itself in the position of being able to destroy itself," Paglia observed, recalling how contemporary technological development—from the power of algorithms that govern everyone's daily lives to the possibility of modifying the human genome—makes a global ethical reflection indispensable. In his speech, he recalled the concept of "algoretics," which he developed through his interactions with major players in technological innovation. He emphasized that algorithms should be transparent and verifiable to make them truly controllable. He emphasized the need for national and international policymakers to address the need for a legal framework and common rules for all developers of these technologies.
Humanistic dimension
According to Monsignor Paglia, the key to managing this transformation lies in the centrality of the humanistic dimension, which also encompasses all human activities connected to the environment: "There are human activities profoundly tied to the relationship with the natural world that cannot be replicated artificially, and among these is hunting." Also participating in the discussion was Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security Claudio Barbaro (FdI), who emphasized the cultural and social value of hunting. "I thank Federcaccia because this meeting demonstrates once again how the hunting world—often intertwined with ethical and cultural issues—can be a tool for debate, discussion, and growth." Barbaro also drew attention to some less-discussed environmental consequences of technological development—such as the phenomenon of planned obsolescence—which also has significant environmental impacts, applauding initiatives like this one that draw public attention to issues of importance to the community.
The historical moment we are living in
Particularly stimulating was the speech by Democratic Party Member Roberto Morassut, who emphasized the relationship between technological transformation and the political crisis. He said, "We live in a historical moment in which politics is struggling to govern transformations as profound as those linked to the development of Artificial Intelligence. The challenge of our time will be to reconcile ethical civilization and technological development. Hunting, in this sense, represents a balancing act between humanity and nature, a profoundly ethical, deeply communal activity that responds to the needs of a society that is technological yet strongly connected to the natural world." Forced to cancel his scheduled presence at the speakers' table due to unforeseen institutional commitments, Member Raffaele Nevi (FI) sent a message of greeting and support for the topic being discussed: "The debate on artificial intelligence represents one of the crucial challenges of our time. It is essential that technological innovation proceed alongside an ethical reflection capable of placing people and their responsibility in their relationship with nature at the center."
Important presences
Among those in attendance were Ettore de Conciliis, Head of the Secretariat of the Undersecretary of State at MASE; Felice Assenza of MASAF; Marco Ciarafoni of the Democratic Party Secretariat; Stefano Masini, Head of the Environment and Land Area at Coldiretti; Maurizio Zipponi and Pietro Pietrafesa, President and Secretary General, respectively, of the UNA Foundation; Nicolò Fabbriziani of Ab-Agrivenatoria Biodiversitalia; Professor Alfonso Celotto; Giacomo Cretti; Federation officials, journalists, and press agencies. The initiative, promoted by Federcaccia, is part of the broader cultural reflection the Association is pursuing on the relationship between humanity, the environment, and society. Its goal is to foster open discussion on the major transformations of the present and future prospects, which inevitably also affect the hunting world and Italian hunters. Federcaccia intends to continue promoting this reflection to help keep the value of the individual and the authentic relationship between humanity, nature, and technology at the center of public debate, even in the age of the digital revolution.
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