Notes on the Trolley Problem and Ethical Dilemmas in Autonomous Vehicles

Introduction

• Discussion on the dangers of sneezing while driving (eyes closed for about 1 second).
• Introduction of self-driving cars as a safer alternative.

Ethical Dilemma in Autonomous Vehicles

• Scenario posed: Autonomous vehicle must choose between hitting two people or swerving to hit one on the sidewalk.
• Question raised: What should the vehicle be programmed to do?
• Polls exist, but actual human reactions in such scenarios have not been studied.

The Trolley Problem

• Originated by philosopher Philippa Foot in 1967.
• Classic scenario: A runaway train is heading towards five people on one track.
  • A lever can divert the train to another track, saving the five but killing one.
  • Most people say they would pull the lever (sacrifice one to save five).
• Contrast between our stated intentions and actual behavior in real-life stressful situations.

Experiment Proposal

• Idea to conduct an experiment simulating the trolley problem in a controlled environment.
• Would participants act as they say they would?
• Ethical concerns regarding potential psychological harm to participants.

Ethics Review and Considerations

• Discussion with Professor Aaron Blaisdell on ethical implications of the experiment.
  • Potential for guilt or trauma for participants.
  • Importance of screening participants for psychological vulnerability.
• Historical context: Milgram's experiment and the ethical debates it sparked.

Institutional Review Board Feedback

• Importance of having an ethics board review the experiment.
• Suggestions for minimizing psychological harm, including:
  • Screening for trauma history.
  • Having trauma counselors present.
• Need for a strong case regarding the social good of the study.

Planning the Experiment

• Setting: Abandoned railroad with a staged train and actors simulating the scenario.
• Participants recruited under false pretense (focus group for high-speed rail).
• Use of video and visual effects to create the illusion of danger.

Execution of the Experiment

• Subjects learn how to operate the switch and monitor the tracks.
• A crisis is staged where a train is approaching workers on both tracks.
• Participants must decide whether to pull the lever to divert the train.

Participant Reactions

• Varied responses observed:
  • Some individuals, like Elsa, felt pressure to act and were willing to sacrifice one for five.
  • Others froze or hesitated, attributing responsibility to technology or others.
• Emotional responses included fear, anxiety, and a sense of responsibility.

Results and Conclusions

• Only one participant (Elsa) pulled the lever; others hesitated or refrained from action.
• Participants felt they contributed to something significant despite the difficult experience.
• Key takeaway: There is often a gap between what people believe they would do and their actual behavior in crisis situations.

Reflection

• The experiment provided insights into human behavior during moral dilemmas.
• Importance of understanding the psychological implications of such experiments.
• Ethical considerations must balance potential risks against societal benefits.

Closing Thoughts

• Emphasis on the complexity of human nature in ethical decision-making.
• Understanding our actions is critical, especially in the development of autonomous systems.