Ethical Considerations of the Trolley Problem in Autonomous Driving: A Philosophical and Technological Analysis

The trolley problem has long posed a complex ethical challenge in the field of autonomous driving technology. By constructing a general trolley problem model, this paper demonstrates that the default loss assumption is a necessary condition for the occurrence of trolley problems. However, an analysis of the differences between classical trolley problems and autonomous driving scenarios reveals that this assumption is not supported in the design of autonomous driving systems. This paper first provides a detailed definition of the trolley problem within the context of autonomous driving technology and establishes a general trolley problem model to better analyze the issue. We then discuss two solutions: the first solution acknowledges the existence of the trolley problem in the context of autonomous driving technology but does not recognize the existence of a “most acceptable decision”; the second solution denies that decision-makers are limited to a finite number of decisions, each resulting in a corresponding loss. Based on the second solution, we propose a “sufficient time” solution, illustrating that the interaction between planning and control systems in autonomous driving can avoid ethical dilemmas similar to the trolley problem. Finally, we analyze from a philosophical perspective why the trolley problem does not arise in the context of autonomous driving technology and discuss the ethical responsibilities associated with autonomous driving. The design goal of autonomous driving technology should be a zero-accident rate, which contradicts the unavoidable loss assumption in the traditional trolley problem. Therefore, the existence of the trolley problem is unrealistic in the practical application of autonomous driving technology.