Description of Course

In this lesson, you’ll explore the complex ethical questions that arise with the rise of self-driving cars. You’ll consider a thought-provoking scenario: a self-driving car facing an unavoidable accident and needing to choose between different outcomes. You’ll examine the moral dilemmas programmers and policymakers face in designing these vehicles, like deciding who or what a car should prioritize in a crash.

You’ll think about the idea of minimizing harm and how it leads to difficult decisions. For example, if a car must choose between hitting a motorcyclist with a helmet or one without, which is the «right» choice? You’ll also learn about the concept of targeting algorithms and how they can unintentionally favor or discriminate against certain targets. You’ll consider the ethical implications of these algorithms and the potential for unintended consequences.

Finally, you will express your opinions about who should make these important decisions: programmers, companies, or governments. You’ll explore the idea of whether a random decision might be better than a predetermined one designed to minimize harm.

Learning Outcomes

This lesson will give you opportunities to:

• Understand the ethical dilemmas posed by self-driving car technology.
• Analyze the concept of minimizing harm and its complex applications.
• Learn and use vocabulary related to driving, ethics and technology.
• Explore the idea of targeting algorithms and their potential consequences.
• Consider the implications of predetermined versus random decision-making.
• Express your opinions about who should be responsible for making ethical decisions in technology.
• Reflect on the role of ethics in shaping the future of technology.