Philosophy Wire by Spiros Kakos [2011-05-25]: The super computer Watson, which recently competed in the Jeopardy game against human opponents, is now trained to become a...doctor! [source: web news] With its huge database it will be able to provide a second medical opinion in difficult cases and help is cases of rare diseases. This is something very good indeed, if only a delicate balance is maintained. Being a doctor is not only about diagnosing, it is about being human. During the most difficult hours the doctors is your best friend. The scenario in which human doctors will be totally replaced by cold computers can be characterized only as "nightmare"...(c) Philosophy WIRES - Commenting world news from philosophy's perspective...
