Medical ethics, logic traps, and game theory: an illustrative tale of brain death

• Published in: Journal of medical ethics Vol. 30; no. 4; pp. 359 - 361
• Main Author: Riggs, J E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics 01.08.2004; BMJ Publishing Group; BMJ Publishing Group Ltd; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Group
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis; Attitude to Death; Bioethics; Brain Death; Daughters; Decision Making; Electroencephalography; End of Life; Female; Game Theory; Humans; Life Support Care - ethics; Logic; logical traps; Mechanical ventilators; Medical ethics; Neurology; Parents; Prisoners; Prisoners dilemma; prisoner’s dilemma; Prisons; Withholding Treatment - ethics; Death and Euthanasia; Analytical Approach
• ISSN: 0306-6800; 1473-4257
• DOI: 10.1136/jme.2002.002667

Decision making and choices are frequent themes in medical ethics. Game theory is based upon modelled decision making. Game theory, and associated logic traps, may have relevance to the clinical practice of medicine and medical ethics. The “prisoner’s dilemma” is one logic trap from game theory in which “rational” decision making on the part of participating individuals can lead to “suboptimal” situations. An example of such a situation involving brain death is presented and discussed from the perspective of the prisoner’s dilemma.