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:
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]).