B2 – Upper Intermediate
The arrival of self-driving cars presents numerous opportunities and challenges, leading to a significant dilemma in the fields of transportation and technology.
As we explore the exciting world of cars that can drive themselves, we must address questions about safety, ethics, and how it affects society.
This investigation into the self-driving car dilemma focuses on finding the right balance between creating new and innovative technology and being responsible, while also examining the ethical aspects of this transformative change.
Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is a “thought experiment“? “This is a thought experiment. Let’s say at some point in the not so distant future, you’re barreling down the highway in your self-driving car, and you find yourself boxed in on all sides by other cars.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “thought experiment” in a sentence.
- What does “to barrel down” mean? “Let’s say at some point in the not so distant future, you’re barreling down the highway in your self-driving car, and you find yourself boxed in on all sides by other cars.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- Explain what “to remove something from the equation” means. “Now, to be fair, self-driving cars are predicted to dramatically reduce traffic accidents and fatalities by removing human error from the driving equation.” Make your own sentence using this expression.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you believe that the widespread adoption of self-driving cars will present significant ethical dilemmas? Why or why not?
- In your opinion, should self-driving cars prioritize the safety of their occupants over pedestrians and other drivers, or should all lives be treated equally in ethical decision-making algorithms?
- What ethical principles should guide the programming of self-driving cars in situations where there is a risk of harm? How can these principles be balanced?
- Do you think society is adequately prepared for the ethical challenges posed by self-driving cars, or are there aspects that need more attention and discussion?
2 replies on “The Ethical Dilemma of Self-Driving Cars”
Vocabulary Questions:
1. What is a “thought experiment“? “This is a thought experiment. Let’s say at some point in the not so distant future, you’re barreling down the highway in your self-driving car, and you find yourself boxed in on all sides by other cars.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “thought experiment” in a sentence.
It is a mental experiment in which a hypothetical situation is described and the possible scenarios that could happen are evaluated. Synonyms: Mental experiment, hypothetical experiment.
2. What does “to barrel down” mean? “Let’s say at some point in the not so distant future, you’re barreling down the highway in your self-driving car, and you find yourself boxed in on all sides by other cars.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
It means to move fast with little or no control. “He forgot to use the handbrake after parking and the car barreled down the street.”
3. Explain what “to remove something from the equation” means. “Now, to be fair, self-driving cars are predicted to dramatically reduce traffic accidents and fatalities by removing human error from the driving equation.” Make your own sentence using this expression.
It means to eliminate one element from a situation to make it simple. “The prime minister may be reelected as the economic minister has been taken out of the equation after his resignation”.
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you believe that the widespread adoption of self-driving cars will present significant ethical dilemmas? Why or why not?
Yes, I do. Any response to an accident is going to be set in advance, therefore, criteria has to be established according to ethical principles prioritizing the possible victims.
2. In your opinion, should self-driving cars prioritize the safety of their occupants over pedestrians and other drivers, or should all lives be treated equally in ethical decision-making algorithms?
Ideally, they should be treated equally but I do not know how it can be possible as someone has to be sacrificed. Therefore, I think occupants of the car should not be prioritize as other people are not responsible of you choosing a self-driving car.
3. What ethical principles should guide the programming of self-driving cars in situations where there is a risk of harm? How can these principles be balanced?
I think the irresponsible behaviors should be penalized and other principle could be minimizing the risk of children.
4. Do you think society is adequately prepared for the ethical challenges posed by self-driving cars, or are there aspects that need more attention and discussion?
Society is not yet prepared. With time and discussing the first accidents of self-driving cars we could minimize the dilemmas, but not completely avoid them.
You shared interesting idea. Good job.
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