Time for AI Integrity: Character, Virtue, Moral Principles that the Founders Promoted are Necessary for Today's AI Technology

Today, we are hearing a lot about AI technology and a wide range of abuses and corrupt practices that threaten individual and collective security in America and globally. Thank goodness Senators Ted Cruz and Raphael Warnock introduced legislation in July 2026 to directly address the issues of AI and moral failure. The Cruz'-Warnock legislation, the Human Dignity and Emerging Technologies Act, aims directly at creating Federal oversight over developing technologies like AI through a Commission on Human Dignity. Both Cruz's and Warnock's statements on this legislation capture the essence of this bill's objective with the following:

Emerging technologies have the potential to improve everyday life and strengthen America’s position on the global stage. But as these technologies continue to evolve, we should carefully consider the ethical questions they raise and ensure human dignity remains at the center of our policymaking. The Human Dignity and Emerging Technologies Act will help ensure that as we lead the world in technological advancement, we remain guided by the values that define our nation.

As artificial intelligence continues to become a larger part of our society, we need to be clear eyed about addressing the potential problems and perils of this technology. That is why I am joining Senator Cruz in addressing AI’s implications for human dignity. Our bipartisan advisory committee will be important to informing both Congress and the American people on the best path forward for AI. 

Both Cruz and Warnock are to be applauded for their patriotic motivations to restore dignity, integrity, and moral virtue to the American public. Their comments and legislation in particular echo the Founding Fathers' moral convictions about freedom and America's foundation. I directly addressed this in my March 2025 blog titled America Needs a Freedom Refresh Now. I referenced David Gowdy's excellent article, Without Virtue There Can Be No LIberty, which highlights the Founding Fathers' uncompromising commitment to character, integrity, and moral virtue. Gowdy makes this perfectly clear when he states the following...

Virtue ennobles individual character and lifts society as a whole. Virtuous principles eschew prejudice and discrimination, confirming that “all men are created equal.” Virtue encompasses characteristics of goodwill, patience, tolerance, kindness, respect, humility, gratitude, courage, honor, industry, honesty, chastity and fidelity. These precepts serve as the cornerstones for both individual happiness and societal governance.

According to Cruz and Warnock, the AI Industry must be grounded in character and moral virtue so that the dignity of American citizens, individually and collectively, can be protected by a commission that promotes and enforces moral standards for the common good.

This legislative masterpiece underscores the critical need for ethical frameworks in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies that have the potential for manipulation, disinformation, deception, and corruption at the public's expense. As AI systems become increasingly integrated into various aspects of daily life, from healthcare to finance and beyond, the potential impact of these technologies on society is becoming more and more problematic and harmful.

The call for a commission dedicated to upholding moral standards is particularly pertinent in an era where rapid technological advancements outpace the establishment of regulatory expectations. Such a commission would not only serve as a governing body to oversee AI development but also as a guiding force that ensures these innovations align with the fundamental values of respect, fairness, human dignity, and justice. By embedding character and virtue into the core of AI initiatives, we can create systems that prioritize human dignity and promote equitable outcomes for all individuals. Furthermore, the establishment of this commission could involve a diverse group of stakeholders, including ethicists, technologists, community leaders, and representatives from various demographic backgrounds. This inclusivity would ensure that the moral standards being promoted are reflective of a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences, thereby enhancing the legitimacy and effectiveness of the commission's efforts. Additionally, as AI continues to evolve, the commission would be tasked with the ongoing assessment of emerging technologies, providing guidance on ethical dilemmas that may arise, and adapting standards as necessary to address new challenges. This proactive approach would help mitigate potential risks associated with AI, such as bias in algorithms, invasion of privacy, and the potential for job displacement, thereby safeguarding the interests of American citizens.

To make all of this work effectively, we need to properly define and promote the fundamental importance of integrity and character personally and professionally. I stumbled upon a very enlightening article that gives a thorough understanding of what integrity means and its importance to society. How to Be a Man of Integrity by Bob Bunn does an excellent job of providing foundational knowledge of integrity, its origins, and how it is to be properly understood and applied in our lives daily. The following quotes highlight Bunn's analysis through the Christian Worldview lens that can make a tremendous difference culturally, especially when it comes to issues like the misuse of Artificial Intelligence as a threat to society.

• Integrity Is About Wholeness: A man who is not whole in his character will eventually buckle under the pressures of daily life.

• Integrity Is Built in Community: No man develops consistent character in isolation; it grows through accountable relationships with men who will call him higher.

The English word “integrity” comes from the Latin word “integer,” which means to be whole or intact. That is the same word math students use for numbers that are not fractions or mixed numerals. They are not divided. They are complete.

The word shows up in construction too. Engineers talk about the integrity of a structure, meaning its stability and safety.

A structure lacking integrity is dangerous, even deadly. The same is true for a man. If we are not whole as individuals, we lose our moral compass. And if we are not building our lives on a solid foundation, we will collapse under the weight of daily life.

Why does God want us to have integrity?

God wants men to have integrity because it reflects His own character, builds trust in relationships, and creates a stable foundation for the families and communities He calls us to lead.

In conclusion, Cruz and Warnock's vision for an AI Industry rooted in character and moral virtue is not just a noble ideal but a necessary foundation for ensuring that technological progress serves the common good. By advocating for a commission that actively promotes and enforces these moral standards, we can work towards a future where AI enhances the human experience while upholding the dignity and rights of every individual in accordance with God's vision for humanity and society that the Founding Fathers advocated for and as Bob Bunn accurately and meaningfully articulates in his wonderful article, How to Be a Man of Integrity.