Cars on the Surface, Autonomous Cars Do Research Paper

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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 road and should be recognized for their potential safety records.

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Unfortunately, though, a robotic car is only safe when driven in a robotic world. A robot is incapable of functioning fully in a world with human beings and with the uncertainty of nature. What if, as Lin suggests, a branch or a piece of debris enters the road? A robotic car will come to a complete stop, potentially causing an accident; the human being might temporarily break a rule in the interests of safety. Because human beings do not think or act like robots, they cannot necessarily share the road with autonomous vehicles. Moreover, the autonomous car cannot make the types of complex judgments a human being can make when it comes to flash ethical decisions. As Lin puts it, autonomous cars will never have the "track record" of cognition, perception, and judgment that would allow for important decision to be made.

Autonomous cars are in some ways safer than human-powered vehicles simply because they lack human imperfections. Because they are "immune from road rage, tiredness and carelessness," autonomous cars do have the potential to be safer than human drivers (Harris). Autonomous cars possess "superhuman senses and reaction….....

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