Postphenomenology examines the cultural dimension of human–technology relations whereby innovations, such as artificial intelligence (AI), re/shape our behavior and relation to reality. Generative AI is amoral and uncaring, but it is mediating evolutionary changes in human cognitive function, consciousness, and behavior. The role of phronesis, in the preservation of human values in the face of ChatGPT challenges, is explored here through the lens of theranostic nuclear oncology practice. Phronesis involves moral grounding, epistemic humility, and the integration of cognitive, affective, and contextual social expertise. Empathic, efficient care of the individual patient requires judicious symbiosis between the formidable epistemic capabilities of large language models, particularly in radiogenomics, radiomolecular biology, and tumor radiation dosimetry, and compassionate, responsible, accountable personal care by the doctor. Being cognizant of the strengths and limitations of AI, and the critical role of phronesis in personalized patient care, the physician can ensure optimal theranostic clinical oncology outcomes of human–AI collaboration.
HongladaromS, van der VaerenA. ChatGPT, Postphenomenology, and the human-technology-reality relations. JHTR, 2024; 2(1); doi: 10.59490/jhtr.2024.2.7386
CoeckelberghM. Narrative responsibility and artificial intelligence. AI & Soc, 2023; 38(6):2437–2450; doi: 10.1007/s00146-021-01375-x
11.
HanS, KellyE, NikouS, et al.Aligning artificial intelligence with human values: Reflections from a phenomenological perspective. AI & Soc, 2022; 37(4):1383–1395; doi: 10.1007/s00146-021-01247-4
12.
ZelnyA. Offloading wisdom: Four technological relations that mediate Phronesis. Philos Technol, 2025; 38(2):56; doi: 10.1007/s13347-025-00889-2
13.
JameelSY. A critical interpretive literature review of phronesis in medicine. J Med Philos, 2025; 50(2):117–132; doi: 10.1093/jmp/jhae045
14.
JotterandF, KimD. The new science of practical wisdom: A critical appraisal. The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy: A Forum for Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine, 2025; 50(2):75–79; doi: 10.1093/jmp/jhae049
15.
EisikovitsN, FeldmanD. AI and Phronesis. Moral Philosophy and Politics, 2022; 9(2):181–199; doi: 10.1515/mopp-2021-0026
16.
TsaiC-h, KuH-L. Why AI may undermine Phronesis and what to do about it. AI Ethics, 2025; 5(3):3079–3086; doi: 10.1007/s43681-024-00617-0
MorrinH, NichollsL, LevinM, et al.Delusions by design? How everyday AIs might be fuelling psychosis (and what can be done about it). PsyArXiv, 2025; doi: 10.31234/osf.io/cmy/7n_v5
25.
WatsonN, HessamiAG. Psychopathia Machinalis: A Nosological framework for understanding pathologies in advanced artificial intelligence. Electronics (Basel), 2025; 14(16):3162; doi: 10.3390/electronics14163162
BediS, JiangY, ChungP, et al.Fidelity of medical reasoning in large language models. JAMA Netw Open, 2025; 8(8):e2526021; doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.26021
30.
FriedrichAB, MasonJ, MaloneJR. Rethinking explainability: Toward a postphenomenology of black-box artificial intelligence in medicine. Ethics Inf Technol, 2022; 24(1):8; doi: 10.1007/s10676-022-09631-4
IlievskiF, HammerB, van HarmelenF, et al.Aligning generalization between humans and machines. Nat Mach Intell, 2025; 7(9):1378–1389; doi: 10.1038/s42256-025-01109-4
