Black-box assisted medical decisions: AI power vs. ethical physician care

Abstract

AbstractI raise an ethical problem with physicians using “black box” medical AI algorithms, arguing that its use would compromise proper patient care. Even if AI results are reliable, my contention is that without being able to explain medical decisions to patients, physicians’ use of black box AIs would erode the effective and respectful care they provide patients. In addition, I argue that physicians should use AI black boxes only for patients in dire straits, or when physicians use AI as a “co-pilot” (analogous to a spellchecker) but can independently confirm its accuracy. My argument will be further sharpened when, lastly, I give important attention to Alex John London’s objection that physicians already sometimes prescribe treatment, such as lithium drugs, even though neither researchers nor doctors can explain why the treatment works.