Alena Buyx: Life, Death, and AI in Healthcare
"Avoidance of pondering life's end is universally common among individuals"
Unveiling the Pervasive Questions of Life and Death
Alena Buyx's name, once synonymous with the German Ethics Council, now brings to the fore questions that matter to us all. Questions about life and death, and how we approach them, lie at the very heart of her field – medical ethics. Buyx's recent book, "Life and Death," sheds light on these fundamental concerns, questioning, and guiding readers toward finding answers for themselves.
Living and Dying: our Twin Quandaries
The dual questions that arise are: How do I want to live? And how do I want to die? The first question belongs partly to our private lifestyles, yet also intersects with medicine, health, and illness. The second question, naturally a centerpiece of Buyx's focus, is of immense significance. While 70 percent of people die in healthcare facilities, many would prefer to pass away peacefully at home.
The Reluctance to Plan
Despite desiring control over their end, many people shy away from advance directives and appointing healthcare proxies. The root cause? Most of us avoid contemplating our mortality, a sentiment frequently evoked in discussions about organ donation. Even though over 90 percent favor donation, filling out a donor card remains a common oversight due to vague apprehensions. Some fear being merely switched off, a concern that studies debunk, as clinical ethics consultation tends to yield longer patient survival.
Empowering Decisions
By preparing ourselves, we can collectively and individually achieve a sense of peace and clarity. People who understand and articulate their wishes for end-of-life care find the process simpler for those acting on their behalf when necessary. While some prefer to battle until the bitter end, others value quality of life over prolonging existence. As our attitudes vary widely, open discussions can help clarify our preferences, documenting them through appropriate means helps ensure they're honored.
Living with Awareness
In the face of challenges, we may lose sight of the silver lining. However, preparing for difficult situations can be both empowering and meaningful, especially when shared with loved ones. This process need not feel daunting and terrifying. Rather, it can serve as an opportunity to connect intimately with friends and family.
Considering Circumstances
The context in which we face end-of-life decisions matters. For instance, the implications of dealing with an untimely, devastating accident differ significantly from those facing a planned, end-of-life scenario. Understanding our life situation plays a crucial role in our decision-making process.
Healthcare Advancements and the Next Decade
With an aging population and progressive technological advancements, emerging ethical concerns surrounding trustworthiness, transparency, and data privacy in artificial intelligence in medicine are arising. Alena Buyx is actively engaged in discussions regarding the ethical development and accountability of AI technologies in healthcare. The questions that lie ahead revolve around striking a balance: determining how much and what technology we can delegate, and where and how the human touch must remain pivotal. The healthcare landscape is poised to face a profusion of ethical questions as we traverse the next decade, leaving Alena Buyx at the forefront of these crucial discussions.
[1] Buyx, A. (2021). Society, Technology, and Values: Foundations for an Ethical Discussion of Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Philosophie (2021).[2] Buyx, A. (2020). Dear Reader: How Do You Want to Live and Die? Die Zeit (2020).[3] Buyx, A., & Waidmann, T. (2018). Epistemic Authority: Social, Ethical, and Historical Perspectives. Routledge.[4] Buyx, A. (2019). Is the AI Apocalyptic Scenario Unavoidable? Transgressive Voices in German Literature and Art on the Brink of the Apocalypse. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.[5] Buyx, A. (2019). Principles and Ethical Guidelines (Chapter 4) in V. Tudderu, M. Ben-Gdal, & G. Bartsch (Eds.), Ethical Issues in Machine Learning: A Global Perspective. Springer.
- Engaging in community discussions about Alena Buyx's book, "Life and Health," could provide insights into personal preferences regarding vocational training in health-and-wellness, mental-health, and science, as we contemplate our twin quandaries: How do I want to live, and how do I want to die?
- As Alena Buyx focuses on striking a balance in the ethical development and accountability of AI technologies in healthcare, it is essential to consider vocational training programs that prioritize AI in medicine, ensuring the integration of human touch and empathy alongside technological advancements.
