Mahler, Maria Katharina (2025). Ethische Überlegungen zur Künstlichen Intelligenz in der Medizin. (Thesis). Universität Bern, Bern

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Abstract

Introduction The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine raises fundamental ethical questions. Who is responsible when AI makes a mistake? Should AI be allowed to make decisions about life and death? Could AI exacerbate social injustice in healthcare? Is empathy programmable? And would we be willing to disclose all our data — everything we think, feel, do, and see — in exchange for a 100% accurate diagnosis? This dissertation provides an ethical assessment of the development and application of AI in medicine by gathering perspectives from experts in AI development. Methodology This study follows a qualitative research approach. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts from the fields of data science, medical technology, software development, computer engineering, and related disciplines. The interviews were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and supported by a strategic literature review. Results The analysis of the interviews revealed four central themes: responsible development and implementation of AI systems, the meaning and purpose of algorithms, AI as a tool and the future of the medical profession, and standards and guidelines. Discussion The results indicate that classical medical-ethical principles — such as autonomy, justice, and the principle of non-maleficence — remain applicable in the context of AI, but may need to be supplemented by approaches from technology ethics. In particular, the black-box dilemma and the problem of responsibility gaps raise questions that cannot be adequately addressed by existing ethical or legal frameworks. While AI experts do not always agree how the future of medical AI will be, they generally recognize its great potential. Conclusion The study shows that ethical reflection is already present among developers of medical AI systems, but it needs to be more firmly institutionalized and supported by clear guidelines. AI should not replace humans, but rather serve as an additional tool. Society’s and the medical profession’s approach to AI stands at a turning point that requires interdisciplinary cooperation, legal guidance, and heightened ethical awareness.

Item Type:	Thesis
Dissertation Type:	Single
Date of Defense:	17 September 2025
Subjects:	000 Computer science, knowledge & systems 600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health
Institute / Center:	04 Faculty of Medicine
Depositing User:	Sarah Stalder
Date Deposited:	18 Nov 2025 07:27
Last Modified:	18 Nov 2025 07:27
URI:	https://boristheses.unibe.ch/id/eprint/6871

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