Artificial Intelligence Policy

Policy on Artificial Intelligence
Theologia in Loco recognizes the expanding prominence of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in the field of contemporary academic research and writing. Although Theologia in Loco acknowledges the potential of these tools to facilitate the research and publication process, the journal is steadfast in its dedication to maintaining the integrity, originality, and scholarly rigor that are central to theological discourse. Consequently, Theologia in Loco has implemented the subsequent policy to assist authors, reviewers, and editors in the responsible and transparent application of AI technologies.

1. Artificial Intelligence Assistance (No Disclosure Required): 
Theologia in Loco allows the utilization of AI-assisted tools for duties that improve the quality and clarity of an author's own writing without producing substantive content. These consist of reference management tools, language polishing, structural suggestions, and grammar and punctuation correction. Formal disclosure is not required for these assistive applications. Nevertheless, authors are entirely accountable for the scholarly quality, integrity, and accuracy of their submitted manuscripts.

2. The Use of Generative AI (Required Disclosure)
Authors are required to disclose the use of generative AI tools, such as large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and similar technologies, in any stage of manuscript preparation that directly impacts the content, methodology, analysis, or conclusions of the work, at the time of submission. The disclosure must be presented as a distinct declaration statement in the manuscript, superimposed over the references section, in accordance with the following format:

The author(s) employed [NAME OF TOOL] to [STATE PURPOSE] during the composition of this work. The content was reviewed and edited by the author(s) as necessary after the use of this instrument, and the author(s) bear full responsibility for the content of the publication.

The following are examples of appropriate applications of generative AI that necessitate disclosure:
1. Assistance with the compilation of pertinent sources or the review of literature
2. Translation of research materials
3. The creation of illustrative infographics or data visualization
4. Research code that is either AI-generated or AI-enhanced
5. Bibliographic reference compilation and formatting
6. Manuscript content organization and structuring
Authors are advised that AI-generated outputs may contain biased conclusions, fabricated citations, or factual inaccuracies. Prior to submittal, the author is accountable for cross-referencing all AI-generated content with its original sources.

3. AI and Authorship
AI tools and LLMs are prohibited from being cited as authors or co-authors in any manuscript submitted to Theologia in Loco. Authorship is exclusively associated with human researchers, as it necessitates intellectual accountability, ethical responsibility, and the ability to endorse the final version of a work. Any manuscript that is discovered to have credited an AI tool as an author will be subject to editorial review and the possibility of rejection.

4. Prohibited Uses of Artificial Intelligence
Theologia in Loco rigorously prohibits the following applications of generative AI in submitted manuscripts and in the peer review and editorial processes:

  1. The creation of manuscript text, arguments, or theological analysis that are presented as the author's original work without disclosure
  2. Fabrication of scholarly references, citations, or research data
  3. Presentation of original research contributions through the use of AI-generated images or visual materials
  4. The confidentiality of the review process and the integrity of scholarly evaluation are jeopardized by the use of AI tools by evaluators to generate peer review reports or to assess submitted manuscripts.
  5. Editors employ AI tools to compose decision letters, assess manuscripts, or summarize unpublished research.

Uploading any submitted manuscript or peer review communication into a generative AI tool may infringe upon the confidentiality, proprietary rights, and data privacy of authors.

5. Inappropriate or Undisclosed Use of AI
Reviewers are encouraged to communicate their concerns to the managing editor if they suspect the undisclosed or inappropriate use of generative AI in a submitted manuscript. If any submission is identified as containing undisclosed or inappropriate AI use, Theologia in Loco reserves the right to reject it at any point prior to publication. Cases that involve published articles will be examined in accordance with the editorial policies of the journal and the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

6. Accountability and Responsibility
The final accountability for the accuracy, originality, ethical compliance, and theological integrity of the submitted work is entirely on the human author(s), irrespective of the AI tool that was employed in the manuscript preparation process. Theologia in Loco is dedicated to cultivating a scholarly environment in which AI is a responsible auxiliary to, and never a replacement for, rigorous human theological inquiry.