Philosophy to the Rescue
In a recent article from MIT, “Philosophy Eats AI” (January 16, 2025), leaders in the tech industry emphasize that while artificial intelligence (AI) transforms fields across the board, the reflective and critical thinking skills that philosophy fosters are more essential than ever. In healthcare management, we often rely on metrics like patient satisfaction scores, wait times, and employee productivity to provide clear, measurable outcomes. These metrics are valuable, but there are more nuanced and relational aspects of service and care. Metrics alone are insufficient; they cannot address the complexities of human-centered issues. Are we approaching a new day where, as some have said, the “tyranny of metrics” is waning?
To meet the challenges of 21st-century healthcare, leaders must move beyond a business-centric paradigm, maintaining some needed elements, to embrace an expansive, inclusive approach that prioritizes adaptability and continuous learning. This is where philosophy—grounded in critical thinking—becomes invaluable.
Fueling Innovation and Creativity
Philosophy cultivates critical thinking: the ability to analyze, question, and evaluate situations from various perspectives,raising “big” questions about the nature of knowledge and reality, including both tangible and intangible factors. The need for philosophy is closer than we think: all we need to do is think about AI and wonder what is real and not real. In healthcare management, critical thinking and looking beyond the moment is vital for addressing planning, resource allocation, ethical dilemmas, and patient care and service. Through an over reliance on metrics, we risk losing sight of the bigger picture—the emotional, moral, and relational dynamics that influence patient and staff experiences.
Organizations like Planetree International embed philosophy into healthcare practices; in fact, it drives their work. Their guiding principle, “Humanizing healthcare for Everyone. Everywhere. Every Time,” underscores the importance thinking and reflecting on action, of empathy and compassion in patient care. As a Fellow in Planetree’s Person-Centered Care program, I have firsthand experience implementing these philosophies. Tools and metrics are used to support cultural shifts, not define them, creating environments that prioritize values and relationships over numbers.
Leadership Lessons from Philosophy
The humanities—in this case, philosophy in particular—equip leaders with the skills to approach work life and world challenges thoughtfully and analytically. My own career, shaped by a dual undergraduate with one major in philosophy, reflects the transformative power of these skills. Philosophy encouraged me to innovate, reflect deeply, and approach both professional and personal challenges with a critical, ethical lens. It is, of course, its own discipline; it is broader and deeper than this short article can hope to examine.
For example, improving patient care isn’t just about meeting benchmarks—it’s about understanding the person behind the data. The same applies to staff: fostering a culture of critical thinking allows employees to engage meaningfully with their work, align with a sense of purpose, and thrive professionally.
A Paradigm Shift: From Business to Humanities
Philosophy and the many skills it develops including critical thinking are more than academic exercises; they are essential tools for healthcare leadership. This discipline, like others in the humanities, challenge the status quo, address ethical implications, and create solutions that balance operational efficiency with compassion and a deeper understanding of humanity. Leaders who embrace this paradigm consider justice, equity, and dignity while maintaining organizational effectiveness.
Embedding philosophy into leadership development programs—both in humanities courses and industry-specific training—can transform the field. It encourages leaders to evaluate what truly matters in healthcare, fostering innovation that is not only efficient but also human-centered and sustainable.
What is Your Leadership Focus for 2025? As we step into the new year, maybe it’s time to rethink how we approach healthcare management. A shift from purely business-focused metrics to humanities-driven leadership can equip us to navigate the complexities of our field. The future of healthcare leadership lies in the intersection of a different paradigm that embeds the humanities, draws from business and emphasizes critical thinking, compassion, and operational excellence.
Let’s start the conversation: What is your top leadership focus for 2025?
Read the full MIT article here: MIT Philosophy Eats AI