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how could we test ai for harms to people who have little say in its use?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Deuteronomy 24:14-15

“You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers, or one of your foreigners who are in your land within your gates. You shall give him his hire in his day, and the sun shall not go down on it, for he is poor, and sets his heart on it; lest he cry against you to Yahweh, and it be sin to you.”

This passage is part of the Law given to the Israelites through Moses, probably around the 7th century BCE in its final form, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It instructs them on how to build a just society, particularly in protecting vulnerable laborers from exploitation.

What responsibility do we bear for the impact of systems we create, even if we don't directly interact with those affected?

Then — the setting

This text, likely codified during the Deuteronomic reform period in Judah (7th century BCE), addresses a society where economic power imbalances could easily lead to exploitation. The 'foreigner' (ger) is a particularly vulnerable class, lacking tribal land and often relying on daily wages. The law mandates prompt payment, not just as a matter of fairness, but because the worker's life depends on it. Delaying payment was seen as a direct assault on their sustenance and a disregard for their inherent dignity, potentially leading to a 'cry' to God.

Across the Testaments

This passage is from the Old Testament Law, emphasizing foundational principles of justice and care for the vulnerable within the covenant community. The New Testament does not directly address AI, but it reiterates and expands on these ethical principles. Jesus' teachings often prioritize the marginalized (e.g., Matthew 25:31-46) and prophetic critiques of injustice (e.g., James 5:1-6) directly echo the concern for fair wages and the exploitation of workers found in Deuteronomy. The New Testament calls for Christians to embody these values in their interactions and to seek justice for all, extending the community of concern beyond ethnic or national boundaries.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

James 5:4
Condemns the rich who defraud laborers of their wages, echoing the Deuteronomic principle.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Calls for speaking up for the voiceless and ensuring justice for the poor and needy.
Micah 6:8
Summarizes God's requirement: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly.

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