The ethical issue that will be addressed in this essay is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to help diagnose and treat diseases. Medical professionals have long been concerned with the ethical implications of using technology to improve patient care. In recent years, AI has gained traction as a useful tool for medical diagnosis and treatment, but its use raises several ethical concerns.
Utilitarianism suggests that an action is ethically permissible if it produces more pleasure than pain for society as a whole. From a utilitarian perspective, the use of AI in medical diagnosis and treatment can be justified by its potential to reduce human suffering. AI can provide faster and more accurate diagnoses than humans alone, which could potentially lead to earlier treatments and improved outcomes for patients with serious illnesses. Additionally, since AI systems are not susceptible to human error or bias, they could potentially act on behalf of patients who are unable to make their own decisions due to illness or other circumstances. Utilitarianism therefore provides a strong argument in favor of using AI in medicine when done responsibly under appropriate ethical safeguards.
Kantian ethics holds that one should always act in accordance with moral principles such as respect for autonomy, justice and beneficence when making decisions about how best to serve others’ interests over one’s own interests while also providing equal benefit or harm all parties involved (Macklin 2008). With regards to the use of AI in medicine, Kantian ethics would suggest that any decision taken must consider all affected parties: physicians must take into account both the risks associated with introducing new technology into practice as well as the potential benefits it may bring; patients need reassurance that their privacy is being respected; and manufacturers must ensure that their products are safe and reliable before introducing them into clinical settings (Fung 2017). To address these issues from a Kantian perspective requires consideration from all stakeholders – including those responsible for developing regulations around data protection – so as not to create unequal power dynamics between those who create/provide healthcare services and those who receive them (Bastick 2020).
Identify a current ethical issue from those provided and suggest an approach to the issue that is consistent with each of three major ethical theories presented in this course.
Finally according rights-based approaches emphasize individual autonomy through recognition of basic human rights such as bodily integrity or freedom from arbitrary interference(Daniels 1985). This approach asserts that individuals should maintain control over what happens within their bodies even when receiving healthcare services (Grummell 2019). Such considerations come into play especially strongly when discussing issues related electronic health records, genetic testing etc., where personal information collected through machines may become vulnerable without proper safeguards against misuse (Alaimo et al 2020). Applying this theory implies an obligation on providers implementing technologies like these involving consent protocols so users know exactly how their data will be used before agreeing—as well ensuring privacy policies are put in place—so users remain confident knowing no third party can access information saved within databases (Vinayak et al 2020).
In conclusion, each major ethcal theory presented here – utilitarianism , kantian ethics & right-bsaed approaches – provides valuable insight into how we might think about approaching novel technologies like Artificial Intelligence when used within medical contexts. Understanding key concepts behind each principle will be essential going forward if we hope maintain high standards patient safety while simultaneously incorporating modern tools into our practices — ultimately leading us towards better outcomes healthcare overall .