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Digitizing Dignity: Analyzing Digital Twins Through the Lens of Multidimensional Human Dignity
1Department of Social Ethics, University of Bonn, Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Bioethics
|November 1, 2025
Summary
Digital twins in precision medicine are virtual patient models that raise ethical concerns regarding human dignity. This study argues digital twins symbolize patient dignity, necessitating ethical treatment in healthcare applications.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Medical Informatics
- Digital Health
Background:
- Precision medicine utilizes digital twins (virtual patient models) for predicting health outcomes.
- The integration of digital twins into healthcare raises significant ethical questions, particularly concerning human dignity.
- Patient dignity is a core aspect of healthcare experiences, and its neglect in digital twin development can lead to ethical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the ethical implications of digital twins in precision medicine, focusing on their relationship with human dignity.
- To examine how digital twins engage with both inherent and socially constructed dimensions of human dignity.
- To establish ethical guidelines for the development and application of digital twins in healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Utilized David Kirchhoffer's multidimensional framework of human dignity for analysis.
- Explored the concept of human dignity and its absolute and contingent dimensions.
- Examined case studies including digital brain twins, posthumous digital representations, and disability contexts.
Main Results:
- Digital twins are not merely data sets but symbolic representations of individual human dignity.
- Digital twins engage with both inherent and socially constructed aspects of dignity.
- Ethical considerations must address the potential for misuse of data, erosion of trust, and impact on patient autonomy.
Conclusions:
- Researchers, developers, and clinicians must treat digital twins as embodiments of patient dignity.
- Ethical frameworks are crucial to ensure digital twin technology advances healthcare responsibly.
- Upholding respect for individuals is paramount when implementing digital twin technologies.
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