Ethics of Driving Automation: Artificial Agency and Human Values

This book explores the ethical implications of driving automation, such as safety, privacy, moral judgment, control, responsibility, sustainability, and more. It encourages an interdisciplinary dialogue between stakeholders to address these questions and drive a more ethical transportation future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 148 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into a comprehensive and philosophical exploration of the intricate intersections between driving automation and ethical values. It begins by introducing the various forms of driving automation and examining their relationship to human autonomy, offering readers insightful reflections on critical ethical issues such as safety, privacy, moral judgment, control, responsibility, sustainability, and more.

Driving, as a human act, inherently possesses moral dimensions. However, the transfer of driving to artificial agents, such as connected and automated vehicles, raises profound philosophical questions. When driving becomes automated, what implications does this have for the ethical dimensions of the activity? Can artificial agents achieve ethical objectives on our behalf, make moral decisions in our place, and steer us toward a more ethical transportation future? Or will they operate in ways that are distinct from our moral nature, yet still contribute to the advancement of transportation ethics?

Furthermore, the book seeks to engage an interdisciplinary dialogue among a diverse range of stakeholders, including automotive engineers, computer scientists, moral philosophers, industry representatives, policymakers, regulators, transportation experts, and the general public. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the ethical challenges and opportunities posed by driving automation and to explore potential solutions that align with our values and aspirations.

It is important to note that connected and automated vehicles will not automatically lead us to a more ethical transportation system. Rather, it is our responsibility as drivers and stakeholders to steer these technologies in the direction of ethical principles. We must embrace the opportunities that automation offers while also being mindful of the potential risks and ethical considerations.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on driving automation and ethics. It offers a systematic and thoughtful exploration of the complex interplay between technology, human behavior, and ethical values, paving the way for a more informed and responsible approach to the development and deployment of connected and automated vehicles.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031229817
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023