Human autonomy, technological automation (and reverse)

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Technology
• Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• The term "autonomy," central to Kantian philosophy and human self-governance, is increasingly applied to technologies.
• Conversely, human decision-making is sometimes framed through the lens of "automation."
• This linguistic and conceptual shift warrants philosophical and ethical examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the etymological and philosophical implications of applying "autonomy" to technology.
• To analyze the reciprocal shift in defining humans through "automation."
• To investigate the potential for technologies, particularly autonomous vehicles, to serve as scapegoats for human responsibility.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of etymological roots of autonomy and automation.
• Examination of Kantian concepts of self-given law and moral agency.
• Case study analysis of autonomous vehicles and algorithmic decision-making.

Main Results:

• A twofold conceptual shift is observed: technologies defined by autonomy, humans by automation.
• This shift may represent an evasion of individual responsibility, a cornerstone of human autonomy.
• Algorithmic technologies, like autonomous vehicles, may function as "technological divine" scapegoats, absolving humans of decision-making burdens.

Conclusions:

• The redefinition of autonomy and automation challenges traditional notions of human moral agency.
• Emerging technologies may inadvertently facilitate a diffusion of responsibility.
• Critical ethical frameworks are needed to navigate the implications of autonomous systems on human accountability.