Human Dignity and the Bioethics of Artificial Intelligence

The latest issue of "Labor Hospitalaria" magazine, the worldwide publication of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God (339), is devoted to Artificial Intelligence.

This issue includes an article by Professor Rafael Amo, entitled "Human dignity and bioethics of Artificial Intelligence".

The following is a summary of the publication:

The author raises the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various fields, particularly in health, and the urgency of addressing its impact from an ethical and bioethical perspective before it becomes indispensable. It also discusses how human dignity, a central principle in Catholic bioethics and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, should be at the heart of the regulation of AI. 

The use of AI in health raises ethical challenges, such as data biases and the risk of injustice. It highlights the need to develop an "algorithmics", or ethics of algorithms, that promotes transparency, accountability and respect for human dignity. It also highlights the impact of AI on the doctor-patient relationship, the practice of the medical profession and therapeutic decision-making, warning that AI should not replace human judgement.

Finally, it emphasises the need to train doctors and health professionals in the ethical use of AI, integrating bioethical principles into their training to ensure that the technology serves the common good without compromising human dignity.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), ethics, human dignity, responsibility

The full article is available in open access as a web version and as a pdf file.

Professor Rafael Amo Usanos holds a PhD in Theology and Philosophy from the Department of Moral Theology and Praxis of Christian Life, and is a recognised expert in Bioethics and Moral Theology. Since 2019 he has been Director of the Chair of Bioethics at Comillas Pontifical University. His latest publications include Inteligencia artificial y bioética (Comillas 2023).

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