Cars
On the surface, autonomous cars do not seem to present any serious ethical challenges. Their technological marvels herald a new era of transportation, in which roads can be potentially safer, less expensive, and more efficient. The technology includes a combination of sensory input devices such as GPS, radar, and cameras to enable the car to maneuver itself on roadways, and their processors allow for learning from experience. They are programmed to obey the rules of the road, and would therefore be far more law abiding than their human counterparts. Autonomous cars have a wide range of applications in business and law enforcement, and it is almost certain that they will be used in greater capacities in the future. However, for autonomous cars to remain safe and ethically viable, they should be required to operate in zones specifically designed for them as opposed to being a part of the standard traffic pattern.
Like all robotic devices, autonomous cars make decisions based on programmed rules. Unlike people, robots do not let distractions cloud their judgment or ability to operate a vehicle. A robotic car cannot drive drunk or text while driving. Therefore, robotic cars may be better than some drivers currently on the...
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