Ethical Questions Research Articles

Focusing a Bioethics Lens on the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Neurosurgery.

The rapid pace of development and application of digital technology and data science, including artificial intelligence (AI), is transforming our world. In this chapter, we address the question: "Is bioethics relevant to how we should develop, govern, and use AI in healthcare, specifically in neurosurgery?" We recognize that medical decision-making involves uncertainty and is complex, and predicting potential outcomes is difficult. We conclude that the use of AI in neurosurgery is not inherently unethical. Hence, the ethical question becomes: Do its benefits and potential benefits in neurosurgery outweigh its risks and harms, and what safeguards are needed to ensure this? Requiring and obtaining patients' valid informed consent is important, but what such consent requires is debatable. Earning and maintaining the trust of everyone involved, especially patients and clinicians, is also essential. We recommend that to ensure the ethical development and use of AI, neurosurgeons approach its use with knowledge of both the science of AI and applied ethics and employ moral humility and moral courage in their decision-making.

A Smartphone use in Medical Photography

The modern era is becoming more and more digital. The use of smartphones for taking photos is widespread in the medical field. Most often, these photos are used for patient care, but also these photographs are used for educational and teaching purposes. Through a survey carried out among our university hospital doctors (HU), we wanted to establish an inventory of current practices in terms of taking but also using and storing medical photos and/or videos. Methods Prospective cross-sectional study, carried out among 1400 HU teaching doctors affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, via a Google Forms questionnaire pre-established by the digital pedagogy committee, and sent by email through institutional mailing lists. Results We received 223 (15.9%) survey participants, divided into 52 specialties. Only 2.7% did not use their “smartphones” to take medical photos. Smartphones were used for taking photos and/or videos of patients (76.7%), medical records (70.9%), and slides, samples or radiological images (72.2%). Twenty-two percent of respondents were reluctant to use a smartphone for taking medical photos, due to the risk of loss or theft of the phone (69.2%) and a question of confidentiality and ethics (59. 3%). The taking of medical photos and/or videos was for patient care (81.6%), for educational purposes or for research (90.6%), for personal reference (39.5%), for entertainment or for social networks (0.9%). The smartphone would be the most accessible and the easiest to use (non-accessibility of a traditional camera (58.7%)). The classic camera, on the other hand, is considered the most secure. Nearly half of doctors (48.4%) stored their medical photos in a dedicated database, 21.5% with their personal photos and 42.2% on their personal computer. An inter-colleague exchange of medical photos via instant messaging on social networks in 47.3% of cases. The patient’s oral consent is always requested in 58.3% (46% however consider this to be insufficient). Written consent is obtained in 4.5%. However, 7.6% do not request any. The need to establish legal procedures for taking these photos, by establishing standardized consent forms, was mentioned by most of the responses. Conclusions The use of smartphones for taking medical photos and/or videos is widespread, easy and useful. However, consent must be detailed. Standardized procedures must be put in place to protect patients but also doctors.

The layers of being and the questions of robot ethics

The layers of being and the questions of robot ethics

Ethical and Legal Questions with Street Medicine

The homeless problem has been worsening in the U.S. for many years. Homeless residents have many health issues. Yet their healthcare needs are difficult to be met. To address this problem, the federal government and state governments are encouraging the implementation of Street Medicine programs by providing funding and changing regulations. However, due to the unique characteristics of this population, there are many ethical and legal issues related to delivering care to them. These issues have not been well discussed. This paper attempts to highlight the ethical and legal issues in Street Medicine. The goal is to call the attention of all the stakeholders to these issues so that meaningful discussions can begin.

Capitães da Areia de Jorge Amado e o “discurso herético” de Pierre Bourdieu

ABSTRACT The aim of this article is to mobilize interpretative lenses to show how fruitful the relationship with literature can be. The intention is to interweave the (literary and scientific) sensitivities of two intellectuals who left us two decades ago: Jorge Amado and Pierre Bourdieu. The work Capitães da Areia (1937) was the main reference to carry out this analytical exercise, at a moment in which we can observe the upsurge of social, cultural, moral, and doctrinal questions that marked the last century. Besides demystifying the “performative discourse” put into practice by State authorities with the support of the media, Jorge Amado constructs a “heretical discourse”. By presenting a kind of (sociological) portrait of children subjected to social racism, Capitães da Areia is the explicitation of the vulnerability of these children, which involves abandonment, family ties, stigmatization, rootlessness, illiteracy, sexual precocity and virility, the pleasure of risk.

Why business adoption of quantum and AI technology must be ethical

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) recently had its “iPhone moment” and adoption has drastically accelerated. Quantum computing appears poised to follow suit over the next years. However, while there has been discourse about how to use AI responsibly, there is still little appreciation and awareness among executives, managers and practitioners about the broader ethical questions and implications raised by the intersection of these emerging technologies. In this article, it is highlighted why quantum computing and AI ethics must be taken seriously by businesspersons and how these technologies affect strategic decisions; moreover, recommendations and action areas are formulated.

Algorithmic Conscience: An In-Depth Inquiry into Ethical Dilemmas in Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of technological innovation, promising to reshape industries and improve human lives. However, as AI technologies proliferate, so do the ethical dilemmas they pose. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the ethical considerations surrounding AI, delving into nuanced discussions on privacy, bias, job displacement, autonomous decision-making, and accountability. Drawing on an extensive body of literature, industry reports, and real-world examples, this review elucidates the intricate interplay between technological advancement and societal values. Privacy concerns loom large in the era of AI, as algorithms increasingly rely on vast troves of personal data to fuel their decision-making processes. From social media platforms to healthcare systems, the collection and analysis of sensitive information raise profound questions about consent, data ownership, and individual autonomy. For instance, a study by Acquisti and Grossklags (2006) found that individuals are often unaware of the extent to which their personal data is being used and shared, highlighting the need for robust privacy protections in AI systems. Bias and fairness represent another ethical minefield in the realm of AI, with algorithms often reflecting and amplifying societal prejudices present in training data. Research by Obermeyer et al. (2019) revealed racial bias in a widely used healthcare algorithm, leading to disparities in patient care. Such instances underscore the urgency of addressing bias in AI systems through careful data curation, algorithmic transparency, and community engagement. The specter of job displacement looms large as AI-driven automation threatens to reshape labor markets worldwide. According to a report by the World Economic Forum (2020), an estimated 85 million jobs may be displaced by AI by 2025, with significant implications for income inequality and social stability. Mitigating the adverse effects of automation requires proactive measures, such as investment in education and training programs, as well as policies to ensure a just transition for displaced workers. Autonomous decision-making by AI systems raises complex ethical questions regarding accountability and liability. The opacity of many AI algorithms complicates efforts to attribute responsibility for algorithmic outcomes, particularly in cases of harm or discrimination. For instance, the emergence of autonomous vehicles has sparked debates about moral decision-making in life-or- death scenarios. Ethical frameworks for AI accountability emphasize the importance of transparency, explainability, and human oversight in algorithmic decision-making processes.

Ethical considerations in using sensors to remotely assess pediatric health behaviors.

Sensors, including accelerometer-based and electronic adherence monitoring devices, have transformed health data collection. Sensors allow for unobtrusive, real-time sampling of health behaviors that relate to psychological health, including sleep, physical activity, and medication-taking. These technical strengths have captured scholarly attention, with far less discussion about the level of human touch involved in implementing sensors. Researchers face several subjective decision points when collecting health data via sensors, with these decisions posing ethical concerns for users and the public at large. Using examples from pediatric sleep, physical activity, and medication adherence research, we pose critical ethical questions, practical dilemmas, and guidance for implementing health-based sensors. We focus on youth given that they are often deemed the ideal population for digital health approaches but have unique technology-related vulnerabilities and preferences. Ethical considerations are organized according to Belmont principles of respect for persons (e.g., when sensor-based data are valued above the subjective lived experiences of youth and their families), beneficence (e.g., with sensor data management and sharing), and justice (e.g., with sensor access and acceptability among minoritized pediatric populations). Recommendations include the need to increase transparency about the extent of subjective decision making with sensor data management. Without greater attention to the human factors involved in sensor research, ethical risks could outweigh the scientific promise of sensors, thereby negating their potential role in improving child health and care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Aspects and dilemmas of euthanasia in modern times

Euthanasia is a very complex medical and moral issue. The name has taken throughout history quite different meanings especially in recent decades. There have been many controversial debates and ethical questions raised in modern society. The aim of the paper was to introduce in more detail the issue of euthanasia in the modern world and to review the decisions on this issue. The end of life is still a part of life. It is of great importance for every person and requires true compassion and solidarity. The task is to restore human dignity, by respecting the will of the sedating patient. It is the responsibility of doctors and medical staff to use their comprehensive knowledge and ethical approach to provide calm patients with peace and tranquillity. Euthanasia is a discipline. It is also a concept and a term full of conflicts, which need to be analysed. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the criteria of the bioethical aspect of this activity. The right to euthanasia is not ethically indifferent. We can expect in the near future a deeper understanding of the euthanasia issue.

Is it Ever Right to Lie? How Ethical Questions Bring us to Philosophy of Mind

AbstractMoral and ethical agreements require sufficiently shared values, or at least some common ground. We might think of this in terms of a shared ‘form of life’, ‘lebensform’, as Wittgenstein describes it in his Philosophical Investigations. Yet it is not clear what will be sufficient, nor how to bridge gaps when disagreement occurs, for instance on whether it is ever right to lie. Ethical and moral theories offer some guidance, but there is no guide for which theory one ought to follow. Whether you favour eudaimonist (flourishing, well-being), deontological (duty), or utilitarian (consequentialist) principles, the selection of a philosophy says much about who you are (preferences, judgements, beliefs) and your context (social, political, cultural). More than this it can indicate certain psychological and personal dispositions, whether defined as brain states, mental states, or personalities. In this article I outline some arguments for why ethics might need a philosophy of mind, and why this poses problems for ethical and moral theory building.

An Innovation Ethics Framework for Safe and Equitable Contingency Planning.

AbstractThe contingency phase is a transition period between usual healthcare delivery and the activation of formalized rationing protocols under crisis standards of care. The contingency phase is defined by two simultaneous goals: avert or forestall critical scarcity of healthcare resources, and provide patient-centered care that is functionally equivalent to usual care when dynamic changes to healthcare operations are necessary to prevent hospital surge overload. Contingency measures modify the allocation of hospital space, staff, and supplies in service of these two goals. Although functionally equivalent care is theoretically possible, hospitals often cannot know a priori which alterations to space, staff, or supplies will lead to downstream effects on patient outcomes, raising ethical questions about how hospitals should institute equitable contingency measures when safety and efficacy data is limited. The current ethics literature has not sufficiently addressed these questions.

Withdrawing Life Support After Attempted Suicide: A Case Study and Review of Ethical Considerations.

Ethical questions surrounding withdrawal of life support can be complex. When life support therapies are the result of a suicide attempt, the potential ethical issues take on another dimension. Duties and principles that normally guide clinicians' actions as caregivers may not apply as easily. We present a case of attempted suicide in which decisions surrounding withdrawal of life support provoked conflict between a patient's family and the medical team caring for him. We highlight the major unresolved philosophical questions and contradictory normative values about suicide that underlie this conflict. Finally, we show how these considerations were practically applied to this particular case.

UPOTREBA VEŠTAČKE INTELIGENCIJE U RAČUNOVODSTVU – ETIČKI ASPEKTI

Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a broad term for intelligent technologies capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. In the accounting sector, it is already being applied in various applications, such as process automation, data analysis, and decision-making. It is anticipated that the use of artificial intelligence in this sector will continue to expand in the future, as technology progresses and becomes increasingly accessible. With the increased adoption of artificial intelligence in society, including the accounting sector, various ethical issues and challenges arise. These issues may relate to data privacy, fairness of algorithms, transparency in decision-making, responsibility for the consequences of artificial intelligence implementation, and similar concerns. These dilemmas are particularly relevant in the context of accounting, where accuracy, reliability, and adherence to rules play a crucial role. Two key ethical questions have been identified in relation to the application of artificial intelligence in accounting: integrity and responsibility. Considering these aspects is crucial for the development of ethical guidelines and practices that will ensure responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence in accounting.

Do Physicians Have a Duty to Support Secondary Use of Clinical Data in Biomedical Research? An Inquiry into the Professional Ethics of Physicians.

Secondary use of clinical data in research or learning activities (SeConts) has the potential to improve patient care and biomedical knowledge. Given this potential, the ethical question arises whether physicians have a professional duty to support SeConts. To investigate this question, we analyze prominent international declarations on physicians' professional ethics to determine whether they include duties that can be considered as good reasons for a physicians' professional duty to support SeConts. Next, we examine these documents to identify professional duties that might conflict with a potential duty of physicians to support SeConts.

Economic Ethics Challenges in Global Trade: Implications and Solutions

Ethical challenges in international trade relate to fairness, sustainability and social impact. One of the main challenges is inequality in the economy between countries, which can raise ethical questions regarding the global distribution of wealth. This research uses descriptive analytical methods. Descriptive research is to make a systematic, factual and accurate explanation of the facts and characteristics of a certain population (Sulipan, n.d.). The data used in the research was obtained through literature studies of journals, books and other sources related to economic ethics in international trade. The aim of this research is to determine the challenges of economic ethics in international trade and provide solutions to achieve a balance between economic growth and social justice, support decent work standards, and maintain global environmental sustainability.

Reperfusion as Resuscitation? The Ethics of Normothermic Regional Perfusion

Normothermic regional perfusion is an emerging field in medicine that pertains especially to the recovery of organs from a patient after a declaration of brain death. Patients who have been declared dead by the neurological criteria then have their organs reperfused with blood too keep them healthy until they can be extracted. Blood is prevented from going to the brain during this procedure raising the question of why this need be done if the patient is truly dead. In this article, Cody Feikles discusses the process and the ethical questions surrounding it.

The Right to (Not) Appear: A Conversation on Institutional Obligations and Ethics of Care in Researching Illiberalism

As other papers in this special issue highlight, researchers of far-right movements have always been faced with the need to carefully balance visibility and invisibility to protect both their academic and personal selves. In this conversation, we share our experiences of what happens when preoccupations with dissemination and impact occlude the need for the right of research and researchers not to appear. This right touches upon a series of ethical questions and obligations that extend beyond simply our formal legal obligations to funding agencies and employers. As scholars arguing for a situated and participatory ethics have argued, ethical obligations must always be attuned to the affective entanglements that impact (in every sense of the word) both research subjects and researchers themselves, and that unfold often in unexpected fashion. How, then, can we reconcile such situated ethics and an ethic and culture of care with institutional obligations, and the requisites of an academic career? The conversation forum presented here draws on multiple exchanges the four authors had over the course of 2023 to 2024, edited for continuity and clarity.

The Ethics of Using News Stories concerning Minors as Empirical Material in Health Research: Reflections on a Swedish Case.

In 2021, we were designing a research study in Sweden in which we planned to use newspaper articles focusing on children and adolescents under the age of eighteen during the Covid-19 pandemic as empirical material. As we developed this study, an ethical question arose: do studies using journalistic articles that may contain health information about individuals as empirical material have to be approved by an ethics review committee? Sweden, in contrast to other countries, requires the approval of an ethics review committee for the use of publicly available material in research when such material might include sensitive personal data such as health-related information. This case study calls for harmonized laws and policies that support global research by clarifying what kinds of empirical material and what types of research must be assessed by national ethics review committees, including with consideration for children's safety and rights.

The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Creative Arts: A Comprehensive Review

The incorporation of artificial intelligence into the creative arts has introduced a fresh epoch of artistic manifestation and ingenuity while also giving rise to substantial ethical questions. This review article examines the complex ethical consequences of artificial intelligence's involvement in creative domains such as music, the visual arts, and literature. The article seeks to offer a thorough comprehension of the challenges and possibilities brought about by artificial intelligence in the arts by analysing the points where technology, creativity, and ethics converge. The initial segment discusses the notion of authorship and originality in art created by artificial intelligence. The text explores the challenges to conventional concepts of creative ownership that arise when artworks are produced by computers instead of humans. The final portion delves into the effects of artificial intelligence functioning as a collaborator in the creative process. This review emphasizes the importance of taking a balanced approach to artificial intelligence in the creative arts by considering perspectives from technology, law, philosophy, and art. In order to ensure that artificial intelligence complements rather than decreases human creativity, it is necessary to have continuous discourse and establish ethical rules to navigate the changing terrain.

What We Owe to Ukrainians: A Moral Perspective on Nuclear Coercion and Military Intervention

AbstractUkraine's war of self-defense against Russia is one of the clearest examples of a nation fighting a just war in recent history. Ukraine is clearly entitled to defend itself, and Russia is clearly obligated to cease hostilities, withdraw troops, and make repair. In light of this, some of the most salient moral questions related to Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine involve the international community; namely, what moral duties it has toward Ukraine, especially in light of Russia's extreme and pervasive human rights abuses. The first section of the essay argues that there is a pro tanto moral duty to intervene militarily in Ukraine to stop Russian human rights abuses and ensure that Ukraine achieves a military victory. This duty is grounded in duties of rescue, promissory obligations, and reliance obligations, as well as duties to nations’ own citizens and to the international community. The second section of the essay argues that the most relevant consideration in determining whether there is an all-things-considered duty for the international community to intervene militarily in Ukraine is Russia's nuclear coercion and the associated risk of nuclear war. This section highlights the nuclear risks involved in compliance with Russian nuclear coercion, which I argue have been neglected in prominent discussions. The moral stakes involved in this determination are very high, and succumbing to Russian nuclear coercion in the face of massive human rights violations would set a dangerous precedent. Any course of action should be guided by a thorough analysis of all the risks involved, both nuclear and moral.