Do self-driving cars have a right to self defense?

[Renew Deal]

Last edited Tue Feb 13, 2024, 11:38 AM - Edit history (1)

A self-driving car was vandalized and burned on San Francisco streets during a lunar new year celebration. The car was a helpless victim to this senseless act of violence. Do self-driving cars have a right to self-defense? Should they be equipped with defensive weapons?

EDIT: NBC updated the video with more information since it was first posted.

[Kennah]

1. Trunk Monkey

[Takket]

2. That's an emphatic no.

[TwilightZone]

3. Why?

I presume you're being sarcastic, but the assertion is pretty ridiculous. I doubt the argument that property should have precedence over human life is likely to gain many adherents, other than wacky stand-your-ground types. Maybe not even them.

[Silent Type]

4. I'm cool if a car has hidden cameras, theft deterrents like auto locks, etc. No on weapons.

[Renew Deal]

9. These cars are coverered in cameras

So, I do wonder if the images were sent back to whatever their control station is. There may be very good pictures of the vandals.

[LudwigPastorius]

5. I believe you are anthropomorphizing an inanimate object.

...and, corporations and William O. Douglas not withstanding, inanimate objects do not have rights.

[tritsofme]

6. Only if you are Batman

[sanatanadharma]

7. A self driving car is a robot

Despite decades of hearing about the 'laws of robots', I would not be surprised to learn if 'techies' decide cars have self-defense rights.
Giving robots the right to kill; what could go wrong? AI might learn about it and spread the word that the so-called laws of robotics were always a farce.

[Renew Deal]

10. Have you seen Blade Runner

Or Ex Machina? It's easy to say robots don't have rights when they don't communicate. I bet it's going to be more complicated when they can make decisions, communicate, and especially provide companionship.

[SocialDemocrat61]

8. Like this?

[Renew Deal]

11. Yes, exactly

Finally, a reasonable response.