Case study: Autonomous cars

Before starting this experience, please go through all of the “Foundations” readings and experiences.

The algorithms underlying autonomous (self-driving) cars must address significant ethical dilemmas, such as how the car should behave in the event of an unavoidable accident. Please read the following articles for more details:

• Why Self-Driving Cars Must Be Programmed to Kill
• Autonomous vehicles need experimental ethics: are we ready for utilitarian cars?

If you are interested in learning more about self-driving cars, here’s an informative story from 60 minutes:

• Hands off the wheel

Questions for discussion

1. Imagine that you are a software engineering on a team that is tasked with developing the navigation algorithm for a self-driving car. What are your ethical obligations? If possible, justify your answer by reference to either the ACM Code of Ethics or the Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice. If you believe at least one of your ethical obligations are not covered by either code, please indicate that.