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.
add apa references using Ruggiero, Thinking Critically About Ethical Issues, 11e
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Here are APA-style references based on the provided information. Since the reference "Ruggiero, Thinking Critically About Ethical Issues, 11e" is the primary source for ethical concepts and frameworks discussed in your analysis, it will be included in the references. Please note that you will need to include additional references if you used other sources in your study.
### References
Ruggiero, V. R. (2018). *Thinking critically about ethical issues* (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Additional references to consider according to your case document might include articles on autonomous vehicle ethics, utilitarianism, rights theory, or any scholarly articles that discuss ethical frameworks in technology. If you have used any actual case studies, articles, or research papers, don't forget to add them to the reference list in the correct APA format.
If you need help formatting specific additional references or choosing appropriate sources, please let me know!
### References
Ruggiero, V. R. (2018). *Thinking critically about ethical issues* (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Additional references to consider according to your case document might include articles on autonomous vehicle ethics, utilitarianism, rights theory, or any scholarly articles that discuss ethical frameworks in technology. If you have used any actual case studies, articles, or research papers, don't forget to add them to the reference list in the correct APA format.
If you need help formatting specific additional references or choosing appropriate sources, please let me know!