Hannah Judy

Professor Harvey

Introduction to Philosophy

November 25, 2019

I. The Moral Machine

http://moralmachine.mit.edu/results/-1883107367

1. Factors that I considered more than others included

a. Saving more lives (neutral)

b. Protecting passengers (neutral)

c. Upholding the law (matters > doesn’t matter)

d. Avoiding intervention (matters > doesn’t matter)

e. Gender preference (females > males)

f. Species preference (humans > pets)

g. Age preferences (older > younger)

h. Fitness (fit > large people)

i. Social value preference (lower > higher)

2. These results did not reflect what I expected. In each circumstance, I found

myself considering the factor of upholding the law. If the pedestrians were

crossing when unauthorized, then they were in the wrong. You can’t make a car

only obey certain laws. I did not particularly agree with the results shown

because I did not choose any of my answers of the personal aspects of the

people. My answers were based off of the laws, more lives at risk, and species.
 3. The moral challenges that the developers might face when designing the cars for

an international market would be the consideration of different ethnicities.

Different cultures practice different morals.

II. The Trolley Problem

1. I would personally choose to not pull the switch. In the moment, I’m not sure

what course of action I would take, but after evaluating both circumstances I feel

that not intervening would be the best option. I feel the ethical paradigm that

would best support my decision would be the one addressing the divine

command theory. Since I am catholic, I have been taught by the church that God

says killing is a moral sin. By pulling the switch, you are not only changing the

plan God has intended, but also choosing to kill in the process. It is not our

choice who lives and dies. It is Gods.

2. I do feel the one chosen reflects my morals because I base a majority of my

morals on my faith. God teaches “thy shall not kill”, this moral sin would be

committed if one pulled the switch. Thus, my faith would influence my moral

decision to not pull the switch.

III. Culture and Morality

1. The culture I was raise in influences my moral decisions because it has shaped

my definition on what is right and wrong. As mentioned before, my faith also

plays a big role in the choices I make such as the trolley problem. Cultural

influences such as treating woman with respect and protect the young have also

impacted my decisions. Having laws also has affected my choices growing up. I
always abide by the law when choosing my actions which influenced my choices

regarding the self-driving cars.