Information Technology IT – 13 New and emerging technologies | e-Consult
13 New and emerging technologies (1 questions)
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The deployment of autonomous vehicles raises several significant ethical dilemmas:
- The Trolley Problem: In an unavoidable accident scenario, how should the vehicle be programmed to choose between different outcomes (e.g., minimizing harm to passengers vs. pedestrians)? Example: A vehicle must choose between swerving into a barrier, potentially harming the passenger, or hitting a group of pedestrians. Potential Solutions: Transparent algorithmic design, public debate on acceptable risk levels, legal frameworks defining liability.
- Responsibility and Liability: Who is responsible when an autonomous vehicle causes an accident? The owner, the manufacturer, the software developer, or the AI itself? Example: A software glitch causes a collision. Potential Solutions: Clear legal frameworks assigning responsibility, mandatory data recording for accident investigation, insurance models covering autonomous vehicle accidents.
- Job Displacement: The widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles could lead to significant job losses in the transportation industry (e.g., truck drivers, taxi drivers). Example: Trucking companies replace human drivers with autonomous trucks. Potential Solutions: Retraining programs for displaced workers, investment in new industries, social safety nets.