Work

Algorithmic Bioethics: A Defense and Demonstration

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, we argue for the adoption of algorithmic bioethics, which uses algorithms, in the form of decision trees, to articulate, understand, apply, and evaluate bioethical arguments. Algorithms bring many benefits to the study of bioethics: they clearly, precisely, and transparently articulate the decision procedure and facts relevant to an ethical decision; furthermore, they can be used to systematically discover, map out, and compare different ethical decision procedures concerning a practical issue. We then also outline and tackle potential limitations of algorithmic bioethics, and explore future directions for using decision trees in bioethics. Throughout, we illustrate our points using a case study of ethical decision trees, created with the help of large language models, about conscientious objection in medicine.

Source: Bioethics

DOI: 10.1111/bioe.70211

Authors: Shang Long Yeo, Sebastian Porsdam Mann, Brian D. Earp, Julian Savulescu

Institutions: National University of Singapore, University of Copenhagen, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Ethics and bioethics in healthcare

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,550

Funders: Wellcome Trust, National University of Singapore