Sawyer

Robert Sawyer.  Robot Ethics.

1. Sawyer states that attempts to govern complex robotic behavior with coded strictures may be misguided.   He uses some science fiction examples as data points supporting this hypothesis, but I am looker for a deeper analysis. We often govern complex behavior with coded strictures—examples are the inspection and testing regulations for automobiles and airplanes’ annual service and maintenance requirements.  Take the position that robots are indeed different. Identify and justify three ways in which coded regulations will not work for governing robot behavior the way they do for extant, non-robotic technology products.

2. Now consider an imperfect set of regulations governing the ethical behavior of robots.  Given that such a code will necessarily be imperfect, explain why, in ethical terms, this is more desirable than the alternative of not having regulations.  Try to characterize the particular form of regulation that you espouse in this case as more useful than zero.