The primary focus of this week was gathering sources for each set of claimed benefits self-driving cars will bring. These benefits include: Reduced fatalities, lowered emissions (assuming electric, shared, and autonomous cars), reduced traffic, lowered parking needs, increased mobility for disabled/elderly populations, and increased productivity. Google scholar quickly became a close companion. One difficulty in this research is the fact all these claims of benefits are projected for the year 2050- 2060. More specifically, there are limited models for reduced crashes due to lack of real miles driven by autonomous cars.
I quickly discovered that research is extremely tedious and there is no one set method of going about it. There is always the question(s) of, what article is best? What source is credible? What are authors motivations/why are they writing this? Are the models used to predict future events and outcomes accurately? However, just sticking to it, and searching through trial and error, my ability to decipher useful sources improved this week. Along with these challenges, I focused on gathering accurate contextual, theoretical, and methodological background information.
To solve this problem, I will read up on the historical context of transport, artificial intelligence systems, machine learning, algorithms, game theory, and applied/normative ethical theories and frameworks. Looking at where we came from, combined with the tools that brought us here, and analyzing that through timeless values such as autonomy and freedom create are a good starting point to enter this conversation.
On Tuesday, June 12th, 2018, at 1:30 pm, I met with Dr. Danks to go over my findings. Danks just returned from a one week visit to China after discussing issues surrounding A.I and society with thought leaders and government. We discussed my findings and refined the research focus even further than last week. Danks said I have the basis for a strong paper. (For publishing purposes, I will not reveal the questions or methods until after the research is complete). We brainstormed on a monstrous whiteboard and Danks demonstrated how a researcher thinks about these issues and formulates paper outlines. He took my findings, drew connections, and mapped out a tentative paper outline. Danks estimates we can complete a draft over the next 5 weeks. My assignment for the next 3 days is filling out the outline and brainstorming original ideas and arguments.
Overall, this week was challenging but rewarding. Meeting with Dr. Danks and setting a concrete goal(s) and draft deadline motivates me to keep moving forward. Our next meeting is this Friday, June 15th, 2018.
Timothy Geary Portfolio 