Ethics and Contemporary Issues: Technology Analysis

a) sometimes people fail to trust technology, which causes suboptimal performance or potential safety
constraints (under-reliance)
b) or on the contrary, blind trust is placed in devices that are expected to work correctly;
we then fail to override the technology so that appropriate actions can be taken.
In your essay, please provide one specific example that illustrates the issue a) (under-reliance) or b) (overreliance) described above. For your case, provide a line drawing with appropriate features to describe the overreliance or under-reliance paradigm. Discuss why we may over-rely or under-rely on technology and how
failures may have been avoided. What is the Standard of Care? Expand your discussion to suggest how to
appropriately depend on technology for safety critical situations for some reasonable equilibrium in our “plugin” lives. Provide a utilitarian or respect for persons perspective.
Please carry out appropriate research and quote your sources (outside of the text book for this class). Grading
rubric shown below:

  • general format, readability and clear explanation of relevant technology and dilemma for a) or (b
    20 points
  • line drawing and relevant features of reliance paradigms for case a) or b).
    Line drawing: 10 points
    o Paradigm features in appropriate columns and answer appropriate question: 10 points
  • Reliance: discuss why we may over-rely or under-rely on technology. Why over/under-rely in this
    situation: 10 points
  • Failure Avoidance: Discuss how failure may have been avoided for your dilemma for case a) or b):
    10 points
  • Standard of Care: What is the “standard of care” for the technologists involved 10 points
  • Appropriate dependence / equilibrium: Suggest an appropriate dependence on technology in safety
    critical situations and how some reasonable equilibrium can be found. 10 points
  • Provide a utilitarian or respect for persons perspective:

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Sample Answer

 

 

 

Overreliance on Autopilot: A Case Study

Overreliance (b): This essay will explore the dangers of overreliance on technology, specifically focusing on autopilot systems in modern aircraft.

Line Drawing:

Feature Overreliance Paradigm
Human Role Passive monitoring, minimal intervention
Technology Role Primary control, decision-making
Communication Limited communication between human and technology
Trust Blind trust in autopilot functionality

Overreliance and the Boeing 737 MAX Crashes:

Two recent Boeing 737 MAX crashes in Indonesia (2018) and Ethiopia (2019) tragically illustrate the dangers of overreliance on autopilot systems. The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) malfunctioned in both cases, pushing the aircraft nose down despite pilot attempts to regain control. (Source 1: [invalid URL removed]).

Full Answer Section

 

 

Reasons for Overreliance:

  • Automation Bias:Humans tend to trust automation over their own judgment, especially when the technology appears to be functioning flawlessly. (Source 2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3098370/)
  • Complexity of Modern Aircraft:Modern aircraft systems are incredibly complex, potentially leading pilots to rely more heavily on automation to manage them effectively.

Avoiding Failure:

  • Improved Pilot Training:Pilots should receive extensive training on autopilot limitations and emergency procedures for regaining manual control.
  • Robust Warning Systems:Aircraft should be equipped with clear and immediate warnings in case of system malfunctions.
  • Transparency in Design:Designers should prioritize transparency in automation functionalities, allowing pilots to understand the system’s decision-making process.

Standard of Care:

The standard of care for pilots and airlines involves maintaining a high level of situational awareness and proficiency in manual flight operations, even when using automation. Regulatory bodies also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of aircraft systems through rigorous testing and certification processes.

Respect for Persons:

From a respect for persons perspective, we have a moral obligation to prioritize human safety. Overreliance on technology can endanger human lives, highlighting the need for a balanced approach where automation serves as a tool to assist, not replace, human judgment in critical situations.

Utilitarian Perspective:

A utilitarian perspective would advocate for maximizing overall well-being. In this case, it emphasizes the importance of designing systems that minimize risks and potential harm to human life, even if it means sacrificing some level of automation convenience.

Finding Equilibrium:

Finding equilibrium involves striking a balance between the benefits of automation and the need for human oversight. Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing safety and efficiency, but it’s crucial to develop systems that support, not supplant, human decision-making in safety-critical situations.

Conclusion:

Overreliance on technology can have disastrous consequences. By prioritizing robust training, clear communication between humans and machines, and a healthy respect for human expertise, we can create a future where technology empowers us without compromising our safety.

 

 

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