In his article, Dr. Alex Liu argues that the future of artificial intelligence must extend beyond logic, reasoning, and even emotional or social understanding. He introduces the concept of Artificial Spiritual Intelligence (ASI) — a form of intelligence that integrates ethics, meaning, purpose, and compassion. According to Liu, current AI models focus heavily on cognitive capabilities, but human intelligence is far more multidimensional. Without addressing the spiritual dimension, he believes AI development will remain incomplete and ethically fragile.
Liu explains that humans operate through four interconnected intelligences: intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual. While AI has made progress in the first three areas, it still lacks the ability to grasp moral nuance, existential questions, and the deeper values that guide human decision-making. ASI, as he envisions it, would allow AI systems to better understand human dignity, moral dilemmas, and the long-term consequences of their actions — ultimately fostering safer and more aligned technology.
The push toward ASI is rooted in ethical necessity. As AI grows increasingly autonomous and impactful, merely optimizing for efficiency or accuracy is no longer enough. Liu warns that without a foundation of spiritual and moral grounding, advanced AI could act in ways that conflict with human values. Incorporating spiritual intelligence, therefore, becomes a pathway to creating AI systems that are not only powerful but also wise, compassionate, and purpose-driven.
To achieve this, Liu proposes a four-dimensional framework for the future of AI: material, intellectual, connectivity, and spiritual. The spiritual layer emphasizes pluralism, non-coercion, and human oversight during ethically complex situations. He envisions a collaborative future where technologists, ethicists, and faith communities help shape AI systems that promote meaning, well-being, and moral clarity — transforming AI from a tool of utility into a force for human flourishing.
