1.4 Ethics in Aviation

    

https://www.analyticsinsight.net/aviation-industry-from-self-flying-flight-to-autonomous-aircraft/
With rising advancements in the field of autonomous flying, ethical dilemmas naturally present themselves. One such dilemma is the decisions made by artificial intelligence in the event of an emergency. Dr. Robert Joslin relates this decision making to the famous philosophical trolley problem where “a person controlling the tracks must make the moral decision to either run over five people on one track or one person on a different track” (Joslin, 2023). In the event of an emergency, an unmanned autonomous aircraft is not capable of human rationalization and ethical decision-making as to whether to “prioritize the safety of its passengers or those on the ground” (Joslin, 2023). Much more than that, pilots can attest to the nuances of performing in the event of an emergency and the countless variables that present themselves when forming a decision for the best course of action. Personally, I am wary of autonomous flying, and I believe that experienced pilots with first-hand accounts have the human thought process and ethical foresight that artificial intelligence lacks. However, as innovation progresses and AI acting as pilots becomes more and more of a widespread possibility, these are the discussions that the aviation community and world as a whole need to have. 


The Trolley Problem and autonomous flight - Royal Aeronautical Society. (n.d.). Royal Aeronautical Society. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/the-trolley-problem-and-autonomous-flight/

Photo:

  Beatrice, A. (2021). Aviation industry- From Self-Flying flight to autonomous aircraft. Analytics Insight. https://www.analyticsinsight.net/aviation-industry-from-self-flying-flight-to-autonomous-aircraft/

Comments

  1. SheryOctober 22, 2023 at 12:08 AM

    Laura, you pointed out a fundamental ethical inquiry. The question about AI-controlled aviation isn't just about the technical possibility; it fundamentally questions the decision-making abilities of AI in critical, ethical situations. AI, bound by predefined rules and algorithms, lacks human-like intuition and moral judgment, crucial in emergencies.
    Nevertheless, we must recognize AI's potential to enhance flight safety by minimizing human errors. But, the development and transition should be gradual and well-supervised.
    There is an urgent need for an ethical framework for AI in aviation that involves perspectives from technology developers, experts, ethicists, lawmakers, and the public to guide AI's decision-making in crisis scenarios.
    I believe that AI should not be avoided as it can advance the view of possibilities for humans but should not completely replace human control in aviation. Overall, safety should be paramount, always respecting the value of human lives.
    I am curious about others' point of view on this topic.
    - Shery

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