Is there a perfect solution to the trolley problem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the trolley problem, particularly its implications and applications in the context of autonomous vehicles. Participants explore the ethical dilemmas presented by the trolley problem and how they relate to real-world scenarios involving AI decision-making.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about finding a perfect solution to the trolley problem that adheres strictly to its original parameters.
  • Others highlight the relevance of the trolley problem in discussions about autonomous vehicles, noting that accountability becomes a significant issue when considering machine intelligence versus human drivers.
  • A participant suggests that the scenario presented by the trolley problem is contrived, arguing that in most realistic situations, simply braking would be a viable option to avoid the dilemma.
  • There is a viewpoint that human drivers often act selfishly in accidents, which complicates the ethical considerations surrounding AI decision-making in similar situations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the trolley problem's applicability or the ethical implications of AI in driving scenarios. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of the problem and the effectiveness of proposed solutions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects limitations in assumptions about human behavior and the operational capabilities of AI, as well as the scope of the trolley problem itself in practical applications.

DaveC426913
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I've never seen a perfect solution to the trolley problem that lives entirely within the given parameters of the problem (i.e. does not introduce any components or actions that are not explicitly stated in the problem).



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If only all thorny problems like this were so easily sidestepped, @DaveC426913 🤦‍♂️

More seriously, I find the trolley problem genuinely interesting as applied to autonomous vehicles because the context ultimately seems to fall back to a cynical, "Who are we going to sue?" It is easy to hold a human driver accountable. Some disembodied machine intelligence? Not so much!
 
Melbourne Guy said:
More seriously, I find the trolley problem genuinely interesting as applied to autonomous vehicles because the context ultimately seems to fall back to a cynical, "Who are we going to sue?"
This has been batted around a lot.

I'd say the general consensus is it's a pretty contrived scenario where an AI is forced to choose. Simply braking mitigates almost all realistic scenarios.
 
DaveC426913 said:
I'd say the general consensus is it's a pretty contrived scenario where an AI is forced to choose. Simply braking mitigates almost all realistic scenarios.
Absolutely, @DaveC426913, and a lot of the AI-oriented ethical outrage fails to acknowledge that human drivers are generally selfish when it comes to accidents. We'll instinctually swerve away from another vehicle, putting our passengers in the line of fire. We'll work our way through this stage of resistance / adoption and at some point the young 'uns will look back and wonder at what all the fuss was about.
 

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