Auto: The Ethics Of Machine Learning Algorithms & Autonomous Vehicles

This thesis aims to address what I hold to be the most pressing ethical issues in autonomous vehicles. Chapter one focuses on the applicability of moral philosophy in guiding autonomous vehicle regulation. Chapter two highlights the need for “explainability” in machine learning algorithms in order to ensure that autonomous vehicles are fair and rights-respecting, and the need for a change in regards to distribution of liability for driving behavior. Chapter three asserts that laws regarding liability must be altered in order to keep pace with the changes in driver responsibilities which come with less direct control of the vehicle.