Question
Ethical Decision Making in Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Sian Garcia
DeVry University
ETHC232
Professor Kuduk
January 24, 2025
Ethical Decision Making in Vehicle Technology
The development of self-driving technology presents a multitude of challenges, particularly in navigating ethical dilemmas during unpredictable scenarios. When faced with a situation where the vehicle must choose among options that could lead to injury or death, the decision-making process becomes critical. In this case study, I will analyze the possible choices my self-driving technology could make in an emergency situation involving a pedestrian. I will also discuss the ethical considerations that arise, the responsibilities towards vehicle occupants versus pedestrians, and how the presence of additional pedestrians may alter decision-making.
Given the parameters:
1. Swerve right: While this avoids the pedestrian, it risks injuring the occupants by crashing into a parked car, potentially causing harm to the passengers inside.
2. Swerve left: This option is equally dangerous, as it leads to a head-on collision with oncoming traffic, which may result in severe injuries not only to the vehicle's occupants but also to those in the other vehicle.
3. Continue straight: This option would cause harm to the pedestrian, likely inflicting life-threatening injuries or death.
Choice Made
In the emergency scenario presented, the choice that my self-driving technology would make is to swerve right. Although this decision could lead to accidents involving stationary vehicles and potentially injure the passengers, it is essential to consider the immediate risk to human life.
Ethical Decision Making in Vehicle Technology
Prioritizing the safety of the occupants is also vital; however, the decision to cause deliberate harm to others, as presented in the options, requires weighing the moral responsibility of minimizing overall harm versus protecting the occupants.
Ethical Considerations
There are several ethical considerations to consider such as
1. Utilitarianism: Striving to minimize harm to the greatest number aligns with utilitarian ethics, effectively guiding the vehicle's decision-making process. Focusing on the greatest good for the greatest number.
2. Rights and Justice: The decision must account for the rights of the pedestrian, who also deserves to be protected. The ethical principle of justice implies that all individuals should have their rights respected, regardless of the situation.
3. Responsibility for Action and Inaction: Designers must consider the implications of both actions and inactions. The outcomes can lead to complex accountability scenarios, especially if harm is done.
As the designer of this technology, my ethical responsibility cannot be restricted solely to the occupants of the vehicle. While ensuring passenger safety is crucial, there is also a broader responsibility to society, which includes the pedestrians and other road users. This consideration is essential in fostering trust in self-driving technology. A responsible ethical framework acknowledges that our technological advancements should enhance public safety and not solely function to protect the immediate occupants.
Ethical Decision Making in Vehicle Technology
Impact of the Number of Pedestrians
If the scenario was changed to feature one occupant in the vehicle and three pedestrians on the road, this would not shift the decision making. One prioritizing the lives of three over one will come into question, but the action taken might then lean towards swerving or braking, aiming to avoid harming the greater number of pedestrians. However, this raises ethical questions about the value of an individual life versus whether a decision based on quantity of lives. The decision will still remain the same that my technology will ensure safety for all.
Conclussion
In summary, as engineers, it is important to factor in safety as well as ethical implications essential to program these vehicles not only with an eye towards technical efficiency but also with a robust ethical framework that values the lives of all individuals on the road. The balance between both has to be worked within the program framework.
is this in apa format
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The document provided doesn't fully adhere to the APA format. Below are some key elements of APA format that should be considered for your paper:
1. **Title Page**: An APA paper typically begins with a title page that includes the title of the paper, your name, the institution, the course name, the instructor's name, and the date. The title should be centered and in bold, and the rest of the information should be centered as well.
2. **Headings**: APA format has specific guidelines for headings. Use level 1 headings for main sections (centered and bold), and subsequent levels are formatted differently (e.g., Level 2 headings are left-aligned and bold).
3. **Font and Margins**: Use a standard font like Times New Roman (12-point), Arial (11-point), or Calibri (11-point) with 1-inch margins on all sides.
4. **Line Spacing**: The entire document should be double-spaced, including the references if applicable, with no extra spaces between paragraphs.
5. **Page Numbers**: Include a page number in the top right corner of every page, including the title page.
6. **References**: If you are citing any sources, you should include a references page at the end of the document in proper APA format.
Here’s how the structure might look:
---
**Title Page**
**Ethical Decision Making in Autonomous Vehicle Technology**
Sian Garcia
DeVry University
ETHC232
Professor Kuduk
January 24, 2025
---
**Ethical Decision Making in Vehicle Technology**
The development of self-driving technology presents a multitude of challenges, particularly in navigating ethical dilemmas during unpredictable scenarios...
---
**Choice Made**
In the emergency scenario presented, the choice that my self-driving technology would make is to swerve right...
---
**Ethical Considerations**
There are several ethical considerations to consider such as...
---
**Impact of the Number of Pedestrians**
If the scenario was changed to feature one occupant in the vehicle and three pedestrians on the road...
---
**Conclusion**
In summary, as engineers, it is important to factor in safety as well as ethical implications...
---
Make sure to check the specific APA guidelines (currently in its 7th edition) for more detailed formatting and citation instructions.
1. **Title Page**: An APA paper typically begins with a title page that includes the title of the paper, your name, the institution, the course name, the instructor's name, and the date. The title should be centered and in bold, and the rest of the information should be centered as well.
2. **Headings**: APA format has specific guidelines for headings. Use level 1 headings for main sections (centered and bold), and subsequent levels are formatted differently (e.g., Level 2 headings are left-aligned and bold).
3. **Font and Margins**: Use a standard font like Times New Roman (12-point), Arial (11-point), or Calibri (11-point) with 1-inch margins on all sides.
4. **Line Spacing**: The entire document should be double-spaced, including the references if applicable, with no extra spaces between paragraphs.
5. **Page Numbers**: Include a page number in the top right corner of every page, including the title page.
6. **References**: If you are citing any sources, you should include a references page at the end of the document in proper APA format.
Here’s how the structure might look:
---
**Title Page**
**Ethical Decision Making in Autonomous Vehicle Technology**
Sian Garcia
DeVry University
ETHC232
Professor Kuduk
January 24, 2025
---
**Ethical Decision Making in Vehicle Technology**
The development of self-driving technology presents a multitude of challenges, particularly in navigating ethical dilemmas during unpredictable scenarios...
---
**Choice Made**
In the emergency scenario presented, the choice that my self-driving technology would make is to swerve right...
---
**Ethical Considerations**
There are several ethical considerations to consider such as...
---
**Impact of the Number of Pedestrians**
If the scenario was changed to feature one occupant in the vehicle and three pedestrians on the road...
---
**Conclusion**
In summary, as engineers, it is important to factor in safety as well as ethical implications...
---
Make sure to check the specific APA guidelines (currently in its 7th edition) for more detailed formatting and citation instructions.