Discussion on Ethics
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Seneca College *
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Philosophy
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Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by SuperEnergyTarsier27
Self-driving cars have been facing ethical challenges since they were created. People have been discussing and debating the moral issues related to these cars. Now, let's explore three moral dilemmas that self-driving cars continue to confront.
1.
Choosing predetermined decisions: Self-driving cars are essentially robotic vehicles that operate based on programmed algorithms. As a result, they tend to adhere to predetermined rules and patterns in all circumstances. Nevertheless, this may not always be the optimal approach in every situation. Certain individuals may argue, with some validity, that random accidents caused by humans are more acceptable than the deliberate harm caused by an autonomous vehicle resulting in the loss of human or animal life.
So, when accidents occur in these situations, who should be held accountable for the deaths that result? There isn't a straightforward or correct answer to this question. As a result, many individuals believe that accidents should happen naturally instead of allowing a robot or software to decide who lives and who dies.
2.
Giving Responsibility to the Driver: Some Manufacturers mandate that the driver must maintain contact with the steering wheel and remain alert, even when the vehicle is operating in fully autonomous mode. The driver must be ready to assume control at any given time.
However, in such situations, if an accident does occur, who should be held accountable for the resulting loss of life and property? Is it the autonomous car that caused the accident?
Hence, one of the major predicaments of self-driving cars is whether it is ethical to transfer control to the driver at the very last moment. This not only raises concerns about the morality of
self-driving cars but also about the ethics of the driver.
3.
The Hacking Dilemma: There is constantly a possibility of a cybercriminal hacking into the car's system to obtain sensitive information or commit a wrongdoing. For instance, what if an autonomous car is hacked by a cybercriminal and instructed to cause an accident to falsely incriminate the driver? In such scenarios, who should be held responsible for the accident and the resulting loss of life?
Is it cybercriminal? Is it the driver? Is it the car manufacturer who failed to secure the car against such attacks? Due to these heightened risks and the absence of clear answers, self-driving cars may appear unethical to society.
Conclusion: The ethical aspects of self-driving cars have been the subject of ongoing discussion. Supporters and critics have passionately defended their respective positions. However, there is still no definitive solution to address the moral dilemmas faced by self-driving cars.
With the growing popularity of self-driving cars, the debate surrounding this topic is becoming more intense. It is hoped that comprehensive laws and regulations will be established to provide clear and justifiable answers to these questions.
References:
Joshi, N. (2022).
5 Moral Dilemmas That Self-Driving Cars Face Today
. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/naveenjoshi/2022/08/05/5-moral-dilemmas-that-self-driving-cars-
face-today/?sh=251a965f630d
Lin, P. (2022).
TED
. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/patrick_lin_the_ethical_dilemma_of_self_driving_cars
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