Matt Gardner is a Seminary teacher at Lehigh, dedicated to helping youth navigate the complex ethical and spiritual landscape presented by emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. He approaches the subject from a pragmatic, faith-based perspective, drawing on principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to guide his pedagogy.
Recognizing both the potential benefits and potential risks of AI—the former promising a quasi-millennial era, the latter potentially apocalyptic—Gardner focuses on equipping students with the tools to critically assess and engage with these technologies. His teaching methodology is based on three core principles: acting in faith, examining concepts from an eternal perspective, and seeking understanding from divinely appointed sources. He emphasizes the importance of framing questions within a gospel context rather than a purely worldly one.
Gardner’s presentations often incorporate real-world examples, such as the Tesla Bot Optimus, to stimulate discussion and encourage students to consider the implications of AI development. He is committed to providing practical teaching tools that empower youth and their parents to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in a thoughtful and informed manner.