On rawlsian algorithms for autonomous cars
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5007/1677-2954.2026.e109620Keywords:
artificial intelligence, maximin, justice, autonomous vehiclesAbstract
This study reconstructs some of the central aspects of Derek Leben’s proposal to apply John Rawls’s theory of justice as fairness to the development of ethical algorithms for AI-guided vehicles, as well as Keeling’s criticisms that the proposal contains inaccuracies in its interpretation of Rawls’s thought. It further highlights additional points where Leben’s interpretation appears mistaken. Although this paper does not oppose the underlying idea itself—namely, that the application of Rawlsian algorithms to autonomous vehicles is an intellectually promising enterprise with concrete practical implications—it aims to clarify and refine the philosophical foundations of such an approach.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Charles Feldhaus
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