Ethics in crisis: The impact of the autonomous arms race on our moral values

Keywords: lethal autonomous weapons, artificial intelligence, moral values, impact, ethics, crisis, violence

Abstract

Systematic killings have been part of the darkest episodes in history. Today, they are presented as a goal in warfare, especially with military AI and autonomous weapons. Proponents claim that these weapons will surpass humans in military capability and morale, offering more precise and emotionless violence. However, we argue that these weapons replicate and intensify the moral challenges of the past. Autonomous violence morally devalues victims and reduces the moral responsibility of attackers, jeopardising restrictions on the use of military force.

Received: 31 May 2024 
Accepted: 25 September 2024

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Published
2024-12-22
How to Cite
Couceiro Monteagudo, Jorge. 2024. “Ethics in Crisis: The Impact of the Autonomous Arms Race on Our Moral Values”. Deusto Journal of Human Rights, no. 14 (December), 237-57. https://doi.org/10.18543/djhr.3083.