1ANALYSIS OF SELF DRIVING CARS The main aim of the essay is analyze the role of self driving cars in the modern world. In the media case study that was selected, it was mentioned that Google’s self driving car caused a crash. It tried to avoid a pile of sandbags and in the process rammed the side of a bus. The autopilot system in the car assumed that the bus would slow down and because of that assumption the collision happened (Iozzio, 2016). This verifies the fact that automation is still flawed. The purpose of this essay is to explain the four classical theories namely utilitarianism, deontology, virtue and contract theory and then the theories would be individually applied to the case study to understand the ethical question and to provide recommendation. The first theory chosen is utilitarianism theory. Utilitarianism ethical theory is a kind of normative ethical theory. In this utilitarianism theory, the focus is only on the outcomes and right or wrong is determined from the outcomes ("Utilitarianism", 2018). This is why it also known as a form of consequentialism. It holds the view that the most ethical choice will be able to produce a greater good for the masses. Therefore, it can be considered as a type of moral framework that could be used to justify war or military force. The moral reasoning embedded in this theory is effective in business because it accounts for benefits and costs. The most astonishing limitation of this theory is that it does not account for the future (Broad, 2014). Therefore one ethical question can be framed is that-“Whether consequences of human actions will be good or bad in the future? ”. The theory is kind of principle based and therefore will have trouble accounting valueslike individualrightsand justice.In the mediacase, the action of implementing autonomous vehicle is considered to be beneficial as it will save time and cost for an individual. Some may argue that it will also account for human error and reduce fatality. However, the consequences of the action in the immediate future should be looked upon. There are software glitches and because of that autonomous cars are involved in accidents. Accountability must be
2ANALYSIS OF SELF DRIVING CARS there for software glitches that have the possibility to harm life. Machine intelligence is still not that highly evolved and there are certain limitations. The next chosen ethical theory is deontology. This a special type of ethical theory that puts major impetus on the duty and morality of human actions. This deontology ethical theory is based on non-consequentalist view and decision making that is moral. Thus, it can be inferred from the above statement that actions cannot be justified by their consequences. The main limitation is that good outcomes do not determine wrongness or rightness rather it is determined by factors ("Deontological Ethics", 2018).The term is derived from a Greek word deon. Any action by this theory can be considered as a morally good action only because of characteristic of that action. It does not put impetus on the product of the action. It is also true that few acts are morally obligatory but the consequences for human wellbeing is not taken into account. The whole theory can be termed as a formalistic approach as the core value depends upon the conformity of an action (Crossan, Mazutis & Seijts, 2013). A type of similarity can be observed between deontology and utilitarianism classical ethical theory. On the case study, the action of deploying autonomous vehicle can be considered morally good as it will save time and energy for the person. An individual will also be able to get assistance during difficult situations such as if he/she becomes ill at the wheel of the car, then the car can alert relatives and local hospital on its own. There are also other benefits but can the implantation ensure safety and wellbeing for the masses. There are several reports on media sites about crashes involved with autonomous vehicles and this proves that the intelligence running the vehicle is not 100 per cent foolproof. In this paragraph, virtue ethics theory will be discussed. Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is given credit for the development of virtue ethics theory. This theory puts special focus on individuals rather than on their actions or consequences.It is believed that because of
3ANALYSIS OF SELF DRIVING CARS the inclusion of positive character traits and moral character, an individual can live a good or ethical life. The main positive side of applying virtue theory is that it places focus on developing good habits of a character whereas in deontology theory it places focus on moral rules. Although, it may sound perfect but there are certain limitations too. The major difficulty is that which characteristics are counted as virtues ("Virtue Ethics - By Branch / Doctrine - The Basics of Philosophy", 2018). The definition may vary because of the presence of different cultures around the world. Additionally, even if the action is considered as immoral, then also virtuous characteristics can be exhibited (Murphy, 2015). Because of the application of this theory, a greater good will be done to the mankind. In order to do a greater good, ethical issues such as loss of jobs due to automation are not looked at. Introduction of this technology at a fast pace can bear far reaching consequences. Hacking has become a menace in the society and therefore the security flaws in the software can be exploited by the hackers. This theory is concerned about the character traits and therefore there needs to be a clear definition of what is considered to be a good character trait and then only this theory will be useful in application. The final paragraph will provide insight into the contract theory. It is also termed as social contract theory because of the nature of the theory. This theory prescribes that people live in harmony in a society by adhering to an agreement which establishes moral and political rules. An apt example that would describe this theory is constitution of a country ("Social Contract Theory - Ethics Unwrapped", 2018). A constitution here is referred to a social contract. United States constitution is often referred to as the social contract of America. Citizens of a particular country have to abide by the rules set the constitution formed by respective governments. Therefore, it can be said that a contract theory is far more effective than the other theories mentioned since it provides a valuable framework to ensure harmony in society. A constitution
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4ANALYSIS OF SELF DRIVING CARS can frame laws that can specify the standards of software and this will be helpful in checking fatalitiesandalsoimposingpenaltieswhereverapplicable.Allthecompaniesproducing autonomous vehicles will be legally bound will have to confirm to certain safety standards in order to ensure the quality of vehicles produced. Additionally, it can be said that this theory will beparticularlyhelpfulincheckingmisconductsofMultinationalCorporation.Theonly limitation of contract theory can be the scope other than that it is fairly powerful than the other three classical ethical theory. It can also suggest that during a dilemma control must be transferred to a human and the artificial intelligence must make sure that minimum damage is done to human life. From the above essay, it can be concluded that application of four classical ethical theories has resulted in the revelation some limitations. It can be concluded that the first two theories are mainly principal based whereas other two are not. The third theory is character based and the fourth one is type of a law itself. The fourth one that is the contract theory is the most powerful theory to address the concerns given in the case study. This theory does not have major limitations and from the analysis it can be said that this will be effective in combating the concerns.
5ANALYSIS OF SELF DRIVING CARS References: Broad, C. D. (2014).Five types of ethical theory(Vol. 2). Routledge. Crossan, M., Mazutis, D., & Seijts, G. (2013). In search of virtue: The role of virtues, values and character strengths in ethical decision making.Journal of Business Ethics,113(4), 567- 581. Deontological Ethics. (2018). Retrieved fromhttps://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/deontological- ethics.htm Iozzio, C. (2016). Retrieved fromhttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/who-s-responsible- when-a-self-driving-car-crashes/ Murphy, P. E. (2015). Marketing, Ethics of.Wiley Encyclopedia of Management, 1-4. Skyrms, B. (2014).Evolution of the social contract. Cambridge University Press. SocialContractTheory-EthicsUnwrapped.(2018).Retrievedfrom http://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/social-contract-theory Utilitarianism. (2018). Retrieved fromhttps://www.utilitarianism.com/utilitarianism.html Virtue Ethics - By Branch / Doctrine - The Basics of Philosophy. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.philosophybasics.com/branch_virtue_ethics.html