Moral Dilemmas Involving Self-Driving Cars

“Self-driving cars are coming quickly, so we need to control them somehow. To reduce their dangers, Paulo and Kirchmair deftly weave together contemporary moral psychology, the AI technology behind self-driving cars, and concrete proposals for policy and law. This book is a multi-disciplinary tour-de-force.” Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, Duke University, USA “Do we really need self-driving cars, and how should they behave in risky situations? This clearly written and very engaging book tackles these intriguing questions head on. Norbert Paulo and Lando Kirchmair offer the reader an exciting whirlwind tour through the history of car crashes and transport us into the future of the ethics of autonomous driving. Along the way, both moral and legal issues are explored. Paulo and Kirchmair also investigate fascinating methodological questions about how we should approach the ethics of autonomous driving. At the end of the book, they offer clear-headed recommendations for policy makers. Given the widespread interest in the ethics of self-driving cars, it is somewhat surprising that while an enormous number of articles have been published on the subject, not many books have been published so far. Of the few books available on this important topic, this may very well be the best so far.” Sven Nyholm, LMU Munich, Germany “This valuable book provides an insight into the ethics of self-driving cars that is accessible and timely – and a must-read for those charged with regulating self-driving cars.” Julian Savulescu, National University of Singapore “This book is a timely contribution to the debate on the ethics of autonomous vehicles focusing on the importance of trolley-like scenarios. Well-written and well-argued, with practical recommendations.” David Černý, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czechia