KILLER ROBOTS IN CONFLICT

The Morality of Artificial Intelligence in Warfare

Abstract

In light of the fast pace of technological advancement in warfare, this paper is concerned about the moral implications of the use of artificial intelligence in the weaponry industry. Specifically, it provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the application of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) in conflict. The concepts of techno-moral implications of Swierstra (2015) and techno-moral boundaries of Kamphof (2017) are applied to the case of LAWS in warfare and provide insights into future changes of morals in war. The key results of this method suggests that LAWS in warfare threaten to erase moral virtues and cause a shift to a less humane reality of war.