Ethics in Motion Interactive Software for Ethical Decision-Making in Autonomous Vehicles

We developed an interactive software tool tailored for introductory computer science education, specifically for courses taught in Python. The software is designed to engage students in ethical decision-making through the simulation of emergency scenarios involving self-driving vehicles. In these scenarios, where the vehicle's brakes fail, students must refine the car's "ethics engine" to determine the best course of action: continuing straight, swerving into another lane, or crashing into a barrier. Students develop algorithms that consider various factors such as age, gender, race, and physical ability, emphasizing that algorithms are not neutral but reflect embedded societal values. This hands-on, iterative process encourages students to critically evaluate their decisions and understand the broader ethical implications of programming choices. By providing real-time feedback on the consequences of their algorithms, the software fosters critical thinking and ethical awareness, helping students to see how technology and societal values intersect in real-world applications. This project highlights the essential role of ethics in CS education, preparing students to navigate complex moral landscapes in technology.