Back to Search

An Ethical Evaluation of Lethal Functions in Autoregulative Weapons Systems

AUTHOR Kunkel, Nicole
PUBLISHER Pickwick Publications (12/30/2024)
PRODUCT TYPE Hardcover (Hardcover)

Description
This book connects two of the most pressing ethical topics of our time: questions of peace and technology, materialized in so-called autonomous weapons systems, which can operate without human control and intervention in real time. The author, however, criticizes the term ""autonomy"" as too anthropomorphic and therefore misleading. She consequently proposes using the term ""autoregulation"" in its place. Taking a contingent pacifist stance, this book addresses the question of whether such technological means help or hinder peace processes. The argument is tripartite. First, it is demonstrated that the risk of harm to nonparticipants is very likely to increase. Second, and with respect to responsibility, it is indicated that a human-machine system can only be operated responsibly if a human is in control. Finally, this idea is transferred into theological thought through reference to Bonhoeffer's idea of incurring guilt in acting responsibly. In that context, autoregulative technology might pose the possibility of shying away from responsibility--and therefore becoming guilty. This book is among the first ethical considerations of lethal autoregulative weaponry from a contingent pacifist stance and brings together peace ethical thinking and theories from various backgrounds.
Show More
Product Format
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9798385214488
Binding: Hardback or Cased Book (Sewn)
Content Language: English
More Product Details
Page Count: 394
Carton Quantity: 18
Product Dimensions: 6.00 x 0.88 x 9.00 inches
Weight: 1.53 pound(s)
Feature Codes: Dust Cover
Country of Origin: US
Subject Information
BISAC Categories
Unassigned | Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Unassigned | Christian Theology - Ethics & Moral Teaching
Unassigned | Military - Weapons
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
publisher marketing
This book connects two of the most pressing ethical topics of our time: questions of peace and technology, materialized in so-called autonomous weapons systems, which can operate without human control and intervention in real time. The author, however, criticizes the term ""autonomy"" as too anthropomorphic and therefore misleading. She consequently proposes using the term ""autoregulation"" in its place. Taking a contingent pacifist stance, this book addresses the question of whether such technological means help or hinder peace processes. The argument is tripartite. First, it is demonstrated that the risk of harm to nonparticipants is very likely to increase. Second, and with respect to responsibility, it is indicated that a human-machine system can only be operated responsibly if a human is in control. Finally, this idea is transferred into theological thought through reference to Bonhoeffer's idea of incurring guilt in acting responsibly. In that context, autoregulative technology might pose the possibility of shying away from responsibility--and therefore becoming guilty. This book is among the first ethical considerations of lethal autoregulative weaponry from a contingent pacifist stance and brings together peace ethical thinking and theories from various backgrounds.
Show More
List Price $66.00
Your Price  $65.34
Hardcover