Chapter 9: Ethical Dilemma

• To what extent do you think it is appropriate to replace the human decision-making process with computer technologies such as expert systems?
• In the case of Patricia, it is evident that there should be limitations as to how an exert system will handle decisions, especially if it would involve humanly considerations. It should not overlap decision-making capabilities that would go beyond what it can only do, and instead leave decisions to humans, which is more appropriate. In Patricia's case it is mentioned that her situation was the first one to be encountered by the expert system, so there must be a consideration on this matter.

• What do you think about this comment? Do computers make mistakes? Is any computerised system free from mistakes? Should we be educating people to believe that computers are infallible - are computers infallible? What do you think are the ultimate ramifications of believing in infallible computerised systems?
• I personally think that it would not be a valid statement if anyone concludes that there is an expert system that DO NOT make mistakes. Computers are manipulators and interpreters, and not conclusion-givers. They give results but should not in any way interfere with humanly decisions if a decision calls for. Computers make mistakes, as many failed experts systems proved to be. Yes, they can dramatically improve and enhance our way of living but people should not be dependent on it entirely, especially in decision-making. An acclaimed error-free expert system can still make mistakes, just like what happened to Patricia's case, in which the system has not yet encountered a case similar to hers, and the system failed to give an appropriate decision to her situation. People, especially persons who are inclined into information technology should be taught only of the potential uses and applications of these kind of technology, but should also be educated on its limitations and downsides. It would not be true that computers are infallible because it does not tolerate or consider human considerations for that matter. Consequences would be fatal if one would believe that computers are infallible, just like what happened to Patricia's case. Wrong decisions made by computers would be dangerous and life-degrading in some cases, and could even lead to life-threatening situations.