From the Throwaway Culture to the Culture of Replacement: Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of the Human Relational Environment in the Light of the Encyclical Laudato si’

Bartłomiej Kempe

doi:10.25167/sth.6288

Published: 2026-10-31

Vol. 46 No. 1 (2026)

From the Throwaway Culture to the Culture of Replacement

Bartłomiej Kempe

Studia Teologiczno-Historyczne Śląska Opolskiego

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.25167/sth.6288

Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of the Human Relational Environment in the Light of the Encyclical Laudato si’

Abstract

The article rereads the integral ecology of the encyclical Laudato si’ in the context of the spread of artificial intelligence. Starting from the relational core of the concept of ecology and from the teaching of John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis, the author shows that AI’s transformation of the human relational environment is an ecological question in the strict sense. The analysis of AI’s material footprint, of “AI companions” and of digital loneliness leads to the category of the culture of replacement: a radicalisation of the throwaway culture in which a tailored simulation takes the place of the person. The response remains an ecological conversion applied to relationships.

Keywords:

Laudato si’, artificial intelligence, integral ecology, ecology, culture of replacement, AI companions

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Kempe, B. (2026). From the Throwaway Culture to the Culture of Replacement: Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of the Human Relational Environment in the Light of the Encyclical Laudato si’. Studia Teologiczno-Historyczne Śląska Opolskiego, 46(1), 23–41. https://doi.org/10.25167/sth.6288

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Bartłomiej Kempe

bartlomiej.kempe@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7173-6190

Affiliation:

Faculty of Theology of the University of Opole Poland

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

PhD student in theology at the Doctoral School of the University of Opole, affiliated with the Faculty of Theology. His research interests focus on bioethics and theological anthropology in the context of new technologies (especially artificial intelligence and the digital world), spirituality of marriage and family. His publications include the study ‘Ethical and social aspects of improving the functions of the human body: transhumanism in the context of improving the quality of life of people with disabilities’ and the article ‘Threats to marital and family spirituality resulting from the influence of the digital world’ (‘Family Forum’ 2024, DOI: 10.25167/FF/5586) and co-authored the publication ‘Sport in the context of education, evangelisation and life. Lesson plans for young people’ (Jedność 2023, ISBN 978-83-8353-091-8). Email address: bartlomiej.kempe@gmail.com ORCID: 0009-0009-7173-6190.