According to the statistics of the Federal Office, 86 percent of road-traffic accidents are caused by mistakes made by the car driver. The creation of autonomous cars could solve this problem!
This essay pays attention to one moral aspect of autonomous machines, namely punishment. In this context, we will talk about the punishment of autonomous machines and this will be shown using the example of autonomous cars.
The aim of this essay is to demonstrate how autonomous machines could be punished, or if it is really possible for them to be punished. The basis for these ideas is taken from the philosopher and business information technologist Oliver Bendel, the dissertation "Automaten als Träger von Rechten. Plädoyer für eine Gesetzesänderung" by Andreas Matthias, the essays "Killer robots" from Robert Sparrow and "Why you Can’t Make a Computer that Feels Pain" by Daniel Denett as well as the anthology about autonomous machines by Thomas Christaller and Josef Wehner.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Definitions
- 1.1 Machine
- 1.2 Autonomy
- 1.2.1 Proper autonomy
- 1.2.2 Improper autonomy
- 1.3 Punishment
- 2. Autonomous cars in the automobile industry
- 2.1 State of the art technology
- 2.2 Expected trends and innovations
- 3. Punishment of autonomous cars
- 3.1 Possibilities and reasons for a punishment
- 3.2 Requirements for a punishment
- 3.3 Complications regarding the punishment of autonomous cars
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to explore the possibility of punishing autonomous machines, specifically focusing on autonomous cars. It investigates whether such punishment is feasible and how it could be implemented. The analysis draws upon existing philosophical and technological literature to determine the viability of holding autonomous entities accountable for their actions.
- Defining "machine," "autonomy," and "punishment" within the context of autonomous vehicles.
- Examining the current state and future trends of autonomous vehicle technology.
- Exploring the possibilities and challenges of implementing punishment for autonomous vehicles.
- Analyzing the requirements for a just and effective punishment system for autonomous machines.
- Considering the ethical implications of integrating autonomous vehicles into society.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage by highlighting the significant role of driver error in road accidents and the potential of autonomous vehicles to mitigate this issue. While acknowledging the military's interest in autonomous vehicles, the essay focuses solely on civilian applications due to the complex ethical considerations surrounding military use. The core objective is to analyze the feasibility and methods of punishing autonomous machines, using autonomous cars as a prime example. The essay draws heavily on the works of Oliver Bendel, Andreas Matthias, Robert Sparrow, Daniel Dennett, and Thomas Christaller and Josef Wehner to support its arguments.
1. Definitions: This chapter establishes the foundational definitions crucial to the essay's argument. It carefully defines "machine," tracing its etymological origins and outlining its technical and functional aspects. The definition of "autonomy" is explored in depth, differentiating between "proper" and "improper" autonomy. This discussion involves a nuanced examination of the capacity for self-governance, referencing key philosophical figures like Kant and Rousseau. The concept of "punishment" is also defined, laying the groundwork for the subsequent analysis of its application to autonomous machines.
2. Autonomous cars in the automobile industry: This chapter delves into the current state and future prospects of autonomous vehicle technology within the automotive industry. It provides an overview of existing technologies, outlining the advancements made thus far. Furthermore, it explores projected trends and innovations in the field, offering insights into the expected trajectory of development and the likely technological landscape in the near future. This forms a crucial basis for assessing the feasibility of punishment within the context of evolving autonomous vehicle capabilities.
3. Punishment of autonomous cars: This chapter constitutes the core argumentative section of the essay. It begins by presenting various possibilities and rationales for implementing punishment systems for autonomous cars. This section explores the potential methods and their underlying justification. Subsequently, it outlines the key requirements for such a punishment system, considering factors like fairness, effectiveness, and accountability. Finally, it addresses the inherent complexities and challenges associated with applying punishment to autonomous entities, anticipating potential obstacles and dilemmas.
Keywords
Autonomous machines, autonomous cars, punishment, accountability, autonomy, artificial intelligence, ethics, moral responsibility, legal implications, driver error, road safety, technology, philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions: Punishment of Autonomous Machines
What is the main topic of this essay?
The essay explores the feasibility and methods of punishing autonomous machines, specifically focusing on autonomous cars. It examines whether holding autonomous entities accountable for their actions is viable and how it could be implemented.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include defining "machine," "autonomy," and "punishment" in the context of autonomous vehicles; examining the current state and future trends of autonomous vehicle technology; exploring the possibilities and challenges of implementing punishment for autonomous vehicles; analyzing the requirements for a just and effective punishment system for autonomous machines; and considering the ethical implications of integrating autonomous vehicles into society.
What definitions are crucial to the essay's argument?
The essay carefully defines "machine," tracing its etymological origins and outlining its technical and functional aspects. It explores the definition of "autonomy," differentiating between "proper" and "improper" autonomy. The concept of "punishment" is also defined, laying the groundwork for analyzing its application to autonomous machines.
What is the current state of autonomous vehicle technology, as discussed in the essay?
The essay provides an overview of existing technologies in autonomous vehicles, outlining advancements made thus far. It also explores projected trends and innovations, offering insights into the expected trajectory of development and the likely technological landscape in the near future.
What are the possibilities and challenges of punishing autonomous cars?
The essay presents various possibilities and rationales for implementing punishment systems for autonomous cars, exploring potential methods and their justifications. It outlines key requirements for such a system, considering fairness, effectiveness, and accountability. Finally, it addresses inherent complexities and challenges associated with applying punishment to autonomous entities.
What are the ethical implications discussed in the essay?
The essay considers the ethical implications of integrating autonomous vehicles into society, particularly concerning the accountability and moral responsibility of autonomous machines. It touches upon the philosophical considerations related to the nature of autonomy and punishment.
Which scholars' work is referenced in this essay?
The essay draws heavily on the works of Oliver Bendel, Andreas Matthias, Robert Sparrow, Daniel Dennett, Thomas Christaller, and Josef Wehner to support its arguments.
What is the overall conclusion or argument of the essay?
The essay aims to determine the viability of holding autonomous entities accountable for their actions by analyzing the feasibility and methods of punishing autonomous machines. The analysis is based on existing philosophical and technological literature.
What are the key words associated with this essay?
Key words include: Autonomous machines, autonomous cars, punishment, accountability, autonomy, artificial intelligence, ethics, moral responsibility, legal implications, driver error, road safety, technology, philosophy.
What is the structure of the essay?
The essay includes an introduction, a chapter defining key terms, a chapter on autonomous cars in the industry, a chapter on punishing autonomous cars, and a conclusion summarizing the findings. A table of contents and chapter summaries are also provided.
- Quote paper
- Alexandra Bünck (Author), 2015, Punishing autonomous machines? The example of autonomous cars, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/374759
