Expert systems in medicine and moral responsibility

Abstract

The use of computerized expert systems as an aid in medicine may cause new moral problems. Medical decision making is inherently normative. This fact may be overlooked through an increased dependence on expert systems or the expert base will have to include ethical decision criteria. However, the construction of rational decision criteria for ethical decisions as a base for expert systems in medicine can be questioned, especially in a multicultural context. Reliance on expert systems may threaten the responsibility of the physician. The ability to take responsibility presupposes 1. (1) that the decision maker is autonomous, and 2. (2) the possibility for the decision maker to see the consequences of his or her actions. The use of expert systems must not impede the fulfillment of these conditions, or physicians will become dependent on the technical system.