Moral Relativism and Subjectivism

Full Answer Section

• Privacy Concerns: Driverless cars will collect vast amounts of data - traffic patterns, passenger behavior, even conversations. Who owns this data? How will it be used? Ensuring passenger privacy requires careful consideration.
• Accessibility and Equity: If driverless cars become the norm, what about people who can't afford them or those who lack the technical knowledge to use them? Could this technology exacerbate social inequalities?
• Job Displacement: Millions of people make their living as truck drivers, taxi drivers, and other transportation professions. The widespread adoption of driverless cars could lead to significant job losses, requiring social safety nets and retraining programs.

Moral Frameworks: Relativism vs. Absolutism

Without directly referencing the provided article or videos, here's a breakdown of relativism and absolutism in morality:

• Relativism: This view suggests that morality is relative to a particular culture or society. What's considered right or wrong can vary depending on time, place, and social norms. For example, some cultures might find arranged marriages acceptable, while others might view them as a violation of individual freedom.
• Absolutism: This view posits that there are universal moral principles that apply to everyone, regardless of culture or background. These principles are often seen as inherent or divinely ordained. For instance, some believe that harming innocent people is always wrong, no matter the context.

Finding Common Ground:

Most people subscribe to a position somewhere between these two extremes. While cultural differences exist, there might be core moral principles shared by most societies - avoiding violence, respecting basic human rights, and keeping promises. The challenge lies in applying these principles to complex situations and navigating cultural nuances.

So, intrinsically wrong practices?

There are strong arguments for certain acts being universally wrong, such as torture, genocide, or slavery. These acts inflict unnecessary suffering and violate basic human dignity. However, cultural practices like polygamy or certain dietary restrictions might be viewed differently depending on the context.

Ultimately, navigating moral dilemmas often requires critical thinking, empathy, and a willingness to understand different perspectives, while still upholding core principles of fairness and respect.

Sample Answer

Driverless cars promise a revolution in transportation, but they also raise some thorny ethical dilemmas:

• The Trolley Problem in Motion: Imagine an unavoidable crash scenario - hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk or swerve and crash into oncoming traffic. How should the car be programmed to decide? These "no-win" situations pose serious ethical questions about prioritizing lives.

• Who's to Blame in an Accident? With traditional cars, driver error is often a factor in accidents. In a driverless car crash, is it the fault of the manufacturer, the programmer, or some undefined entity? Determining liability and accountability becomes complex.