Autonomous Weapons Systems - Death by Algorithm

So, why are autonomous weapons systems such a big deal? Aren't they just weapons like the rest of them? Well, the black box problem with algorithmically controlled systems raises challenges different from those of "fire and forget" munitions. Four AI experts explain. The first part of this episode clarifies what an algorithm is when the black box appears and why it's important. The second part cla...

Robert Sparrow is a philosophical pioneer in the field of autonomous weapons. We discuss the current debate and the development since his famous articles "Killer Robots" and "Robots and Respect" were published. We explore the notion of male in se - evil in itself, and Rob presents his idea of Minotaur Warfighting or AI commanders. Rob also gives his perspectives on the black box, meaningful human...

Is AI just a tool? What is the difference between human cognition and systems logic? How do the automation and routinisation of war change how we fight and think of our enemy? Does Israel's target-generating AI systems work in the war in Gaza, and what is the result so far? Professor of Political Theory Elke Schwarz discusses her research, the black box, meaningful human control, programming ethic...

Why would a military use an autonomous weapons system? What do they bring to the battlefield in Ukraine? Is AI in the military a revolution? And what and why should we teach future officers about tomorrow's weapons systems? In addition to giving a hands-on account from within the military, Lasse Kronborg, major at the Royal Danish Defence College, offers his perspectives on the black box, meaningf...

Who thinks autonomous weapons systems are a good idea? Well, 250+ NGOs don't. Charlotte Akin, Projects & Logistics Officer from the coalition "Campaign to Stop Killer Robots," explains how the coalition works and its main objections to autonomous weapons. Is there any chance for regulation? Besides presenting the campaign's work, Charlotte gives her perspectives on the black box, meaningful hu...

What is a social robot, and are autonomous drones social agents? What should a robot do or not do, and how is that connected to autonomous weapons? Johanna Seibt, professor in philosophy and co-founder of the field of robophilosophy, gives her insights on how interactions with robots that can act like agents impact our lives. What does it mean for our mutual respect on the battlefield if we let ro...

Practices create norms, and words can shape reality. This applies to the debate on autonomous weapons and AI in the military domain. It is significant whether the technology precedes public deliberation and regulations. Additionally, it is crucial whether we refer to AI in the military as "decision support systems", "emerging technology", "autonomous weapons", or "killer robots".  Professor and re...

Just war means a justified war. But what justifies a war? Can letting machines kill be justified? How and where is war regulated? And how are the philosophical and legal frameworks of war connected? Iben Yde, lawyer and consultant at Rethink Advisory, explains and gives an account of her role as a military lawyer and advisor. Claus Borg Reinholdt, correspondent for TV2 Denmark, tells a horrifying...

How does technology change the way we fight or think about war? Are autonomous weapons systems the silver bullet that will "solve war" and make it nice and clean? What impact have drones had on the war in Ukraine? Are autonomous weapons really used? What can we learn from tragedy when it comes to taking responsibility for how we fight? Why don't we just let the robots do the fighting...