In 200 words: Consider a recent advancement in healthcare technology, such as gene editing, AI diagnostics, or telemedicine. Discuss how different ethical frameworks (such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics) would evaluate the development and implementation of this technology. Address the following points in your discussion:
Potential Benefits and Harms: What are the potential benefits and harms of the technology to individuals and society? How might each ethical framework assess these outcomes?
Rights and Responsibilities: Who has the rights to access or refuse the technology? What responsibilities do developers and healthcare providers have in ensuring the technology is used ethically?
Justice and Fairness: Consider how the technology might affect different populations. Are there concerns about equitable access or impacts on certain groups that might be viewed differently through each ethical lens?
Consider the advancement of AI diagnostics in healthcare. Utilitarianism would focus on maximizing the benefits for the greatest number of people, weighing the potential of faster, more accurate diagnoses against potential risks of bias or reliance on technology. Deontology would emphasize the rights and autonomy of individuals, focusing on informed consent and the right to refuse AI-based diagnoses. Virtue ethics would emphasize the ethical character of developers and healthcare providers, focusing on their responsibilities to use AI responsibly and with compassion. Regarding access and fairness, utilitarianism might favor widespread access to AI diagnostics, while deontology and virtue ethics could raise concerns about potential disparities in access and the potential for AI bias to exacerbate existing healthcare inequalities.