📚 Topic Summary
Self-driving cars are becoming more common, promising safer and more efficient transportation. However, their rise raises important ethical questions, particularly regarding job displacement. As vehicles become automated, jobs that involve driving, such as truck drivers, taxi drivers, and delivery personnel, are at risk of being eliminated. This raises concerns about the economic and social consequences of widespread automation, and requires careful consideration of how to manage the transition and support affected workers.
This activity explores these ethical considerations, focusing on the balance between technological advancement, economic realities, and social responsibility. It encourages critical thinking about the potential impacts of self-driving cars and promotes thoughtful discussion about how to navigate the challenges they present.
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term to its correct definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Automation |
A. The ethical principles that govern the right and wrong conduct concerning algorithms and artificial intelligence. |
| 2. Job Displacement |
B. The use of technology to perform tasks previously done by humans. |
| 3. Ethics |
C. The situation where workers lose their jobs due to technological advancements or other factors. |
| 4. Algorithm |
D. A set of rules to be followed to solve a particular problem. |
| 5. Algorithmic Ethics |
E. Moral principles that guide behavior. |
📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words from the box below.
Self-driving cars have the potential to revolutionize transportation, but they also pose a threat of _______. As vehicles become more _______, many jobs currently performed by human drivers could be eliminated. It's important to consider the _______ implications of this shift and develop strategies to support affected _______. Considering long term _______, we should always follow _______. This is especially true for all things AI.
(Words: workers, automation, job displacement, ethics, algorithmic ethics)
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine you are a policymaker. What steps would you take to address the potential job displacement caused by self-driving cars, while still allowing for technological innovation? Explain your reasoning.