ITECH7400: Ethical Dilemma of Software Developers in Robotic Surgery

This report delves into the ethical dilemmas encountered by software developers in the rapidly evolving field of robotic surgery. It examines the complexities arising from the development and implementation of surgical robots, including issues of patient safety, responsibility, and the potential for errors. The report identifies key ethical theories such as deontology, social contract theory, character-based ethics, and utilitarianism, and applies them to the context of robotic surgery to analyze the moral implications of various decisions. It highlights the importance of ethical considerations in software development, particularly in relation to the design and functionality of robotic systems, and explores the challenges faced by developers in balancing technological advancements with ethical principles. The report further proposes ethical solutions and recommendations for software developers, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines, rigorous testing, and effective communication to ensure patient safety and uphold ethical standards. The report concludes by stressing the importance of ethical awareness in the development and application of robotic surgery technologies.

Ethical dilemma

Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................2
Ethical dilemma...........................................................................................................................................2
Ethical theories............................................................................................................................................3
Deontology..............................................................................................................................................3
Social contract theory..............................................................................................................................4
Character-based theory............................................................................................................................4
Utilitarinism.............................................................................................................................................4
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................4
Reference....................................................................................................................................................5

Introduction
Nowadays, robotics is increasing in the professional field. An ethical dilemma is a situation in
which a person is in the problem of deciding between two possible options. It includes
phenomena in which moral principles of the people are not able to determine which course of
action is correct and which is wrong. In this report, the ethical dilemmas will be discussed from
the perspective of Software ware developer who is involved in robotic surgery. The ethical
theories which are utilitarianism, deontology, social contract, and character-based ethics will be
included which are faced by the IT professionals. In order to resolve the dilemma, the ethical
solution will be provided for the software developer.
Ethical dilemma
Law is the ethical dilemma that we faced by the software developer. The various decisions are
required to be taken by the developer which includes no choices in options. In order to develop
the technology for robotic surgery, it is necessary to adopt the technology for decreasing the risk
during the surgery. Robotics surgery is not considered as risk-free and sometimes it can damage
the patient in any way. It provides a better Insite vision to the doctors. Doctors are required to be
available at the time for surgery for guiding the robot. The software developer is required to
develop the robot as per the requirement of doctors. Software developer plays a crucial for
during the time of robotic surgery for developing the robots and giving the command for
performing the job (Rogozea, et al., 2010). Robotic surgery is of two types which are controlled
and automatic systems. In both the categories, the software developer faces the ethical dilemma
of how to develop a robot for making the risk free surgery. A robot must not harm the patients
and are required to follow the guidance from the doctors.
An ethical dilemma is faced for treating the patient with a robot program. It is also not risk-free
as the robot can also make mistake sometimes and harm the patient. Software developer faces a
more ethical dilemma for developing the software of robots for working with doctors. Software
developers are required to contact the doctors for preparing the robot according to the
requirement of doctors. In robots, finer instruments are required to decreasing the risk of damage
(Miller, et al., 2014).

It is required for the software developer to follow the law for not harming the patients. A
software developer is responsible for reporting the robot malfunction for making the robotic
surgery successful (McNamara, et al., 2018). IT professionals and doctors are required to train
effectively before automatic surgery.
Software developer faces the ethical dilemma in the robotic surgery for providing the command
to the robot which is essential for performing the surgery. Example- For the Lasik eye surgery,
software developer faces the ethical dilemma in developing the robot for the fully automatic
surgery with the help of operators. Technology is required to be adopted by the software
developer for gathering, storing, manipulating and communicating the information which is
required for the surgery. Speed, as well as efficiency dilemma, is faced by the software developer
(Lin, et al., 2009).
In this case, the decision making opportunity is also faced by the developer in an ethical dilemma
for making the right choice in choosing the right technology when two technologies are the same
and include two different features and both the features are required for the surgery. In this case,
the developer is required to make the choice in one technology which is more necessary (Dodig-
Cmkovic and Feldt, 2009).
Ethical theories
Deontology
In this state of ethical theory, it includes that person is required to adhere to the obligation and
duties for making the decision. A person is required to follow the rules as well as the obligation
for holding the position and perform the duty by considering the ethics. Laws are required to be
followed in case of an ethical dilemma to the software developer. This theory helps the software
developer in producing a consistent decision for solving the ethical dilemma in the situation of
robotic surgery (Aliti, 2017).
Social contract theory
In this theory of ethics, it is stated that the people in the society are required to establish and
follow the behavioral rules. It includes the rights for protecting and giving the priority to the

decision in case of an ethical dilemma. A software developer opts for the social contract theory
for developing the robot for the surgery (Aliti, 2017).
Character-based theory
This theory is also known as Virtue ethics. It includes ethics which includes the character of the
person for performing the good action. It is analyzed that the good person involves themselves in
performing good action (Geiger and Hirschl, 2015).
Utilitarianism
This theory of ethics includes the abilities for predicting the consequences of performing the
action. Act and rule utilitarianism are the types of utilitarianism theory. Act utilitarianism
includes that the person is required to perform the action which will provide the benefit to
people. As software developer is required to make the decision for benefiting the patients with
robotic surgery. Rule utilitarianism theory considers the fairness in making the decision for
achieving the maximum benefits. It is required to be considered by the software developer to be
fair with the decision (Geiger and Hirschl, 2015).
The proposed solution for the software developer from the ethical point of view includes that fair
decision is required to be taken by the developer and doctor. It requires effective communication
to consider the main concerns for the development of robots for robotic surgery. With the help of
more rigorous, the software developer is able to implement the best practices and standards for
using the robots (Leenes, et al., 2017).
Conclusion
To conclude, the ethical dilemma is faced in every field of professional. In the case of software
developer faces the ethical dilemma in robotic-assisted surgery. In order to reduce the risks, the
software developer can take the decision by considering the ethical theories which are
utilitarianism, deontology, social contract theory, and character-based theory. It is recommended
to software developer to adopt the ethics.

Reference
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