AIF Insights No. 11 (2025) | Abhidhamma-Inspired AI: Centering Cetana (Intention) with Theravada Ethical Insights in Technology

As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly influences critical aspects of human life, the need for ethical, human-centered design has grown urgent. This article explores the potential of the Abhidhamma—a foundational text in Theravada Buddhist philosophy—as a source of ethical guidance for AI development. The Abhidhamma offers a detailed psychological framework based on mental processes, emphasizing the ethical significance of intention (cetana), the concept of non-self (anattā), and the cultivation of compassion (karuṇā). Unlike Western ethical traditions that emphasize fixed rules or stable character traits, Buddhist ethics focuses on moment-to-moment awareness and the mental qualities shaping action. The article argues that incorporating principles from the Abhidhamma into AI design could foster systems that are adaptive, compassionate, and aligned with human well-being. Such an approach encourages AI to function not merely as a tool but as a thoughtful companion, promoting emotional clarity and reducing suffering. This fusion of ancient wisdom and modern technology offers a path toward more ethical and responsive AI systems.