Risk perception and Analysis - Assignment

Running head: ANALYSIS OF SELF DRIVING CARS
Analysis of self driving cars
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

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
values like individual rights and justice. In the media case, 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