π Topic Summary
Autonomous vehicles (AVs), or self-driving cars, are programmed to make decisions in various situations. A critical aspect of their programming involves handling ethical dilemmas, especially in scenarios where an accident is unavoidable. This unplugged activity simulates how AVs might be programmed to prioritize different values (like minimizing harm or protecting occupants) when faced with such dilemmas, allowing you to explore the complexities of AI ethics without needing to write any code. You'll consider various factors and their impact on decision-making, fostering critical thinking about the ethical implications of autonomous technology. This activity uses a simple, hands-on approach to illustrate the decision-making process.
π§ Part A: Vocabulary
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Utilitarianism |
A. A situation where any choice will lead to negative consequences. |
| 2. Ethical Dilemma |
B. The branch of philosophy dealing with morality and principles. |
| 3. Algorithm |
C. A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing a task. |
| 4. Ethics |
D. The belief that the best action is the one that maximizes overall well-being. |
| 5. Autonomous Vehicle |
E. A vehicle capable of sensing its environment and operating without human input. |
Match the term to its correct definition:
- π 1 - ?
- π‘ 2 - ?
- π 3 - ?
- π§ͺ 4 - ?
- π 5 - ?
βοΈ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
An _______________ is a set of rules a computer follows. In the case of autonomous vehicles, these rules must account for _____________ considerations. One major challenge is programming for an _______________, where any decision results in harm. _______________ is one ethical framework that tries to minimize total harm. The goal is to program the AV to make the most _______________ choice.
Word Bank: algorithm, ethical dilemma, utilitarianism, ethical, autonomous vehicle
π€ Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine you are programming an autonomous vehicle. Describe a situation where it must choose between protecting its passenger and protecting a group of pedestrians. What factors would you consider in programming its decision, and why? Is there a perfect solution?