Hello,
The issue of halachic ruling by AI is very broad, and we have dealt with it in a number of places. The following words are written as an overview:
On the one hand, artificial intelligence uses an enormous data pool, is exposed to a variety of different responsa that have been given for halachic questions by halachic authorities, processes and “learns” the various responsa, and returns what it derives from them. This has a tremendous impact on halachic ruling, for finding different sources, and for creating a fundamental position that arises from previous rulings.
On the other hand, it cannot act as a “halachic authority” for a number of reasons: from an institutional perspective, halachic ruling is performed by those who replace the position of the Sanhedrin – who were talmidei chachamim; not only this, but halachic ruling is not only made through precedent, but also by reevaluating halachic issues. Beyond this, there are many faults with AI, such as creation of sources and use of unreliable information. And in general – alongside the objectivity of halachic ruling, there is also a subjective component, both of the authority and the case in discussion.
Our proposal is to use artificial intelligence as a chavruta, in other words: like a chavruta, it is a prominent and excellent tool for bringing up various ideas, bringing sources and precedents that aren’t well known, and processing previously existing rulings, etc. However, the exclusive authority to rule halacha is found in the hands of the ruling rabbi, and artificial intelligence cannot take his place.
Intelligent and thoughtful use of it can be a tremendous blessing to the halachic world and to halachic determination.
All the best,
Rabbi Yuval Cherlow, Head of the Tzohar Ethics Center
