Killer Robots and the Future of War

Killer Robots and the Future of War

Author: Pushkin Industries October 26, 2020 Duration: 1:03:38

Fully autonomous lethal weapons—robots that can select and engage targets without human intervention—are fast becoming possible. They might minimize casualties and protect civilians in times of war. But is it morally wrong to put a computer in charge of life or death decisions? Could system errors lead to flash wars? But, as war gets faster and more complex, is it even feasible to keep humans in the loop?


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Every week, Brave New Planet from Pushkin Industries takes a clear-eyed look at the powerful forces reshaping our world. This isn't about speculative fiction; it's about the real, breathtaking pace of change in fields like artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and digital connectivity already unfolding around us. Each episode is a deep exploration of a specific technological frontier, dissecting both its extraordinary promise and its profound perils. The central question isn't whether a development is simply good or bad, but how we can steer these awesome capabilities toward a future that benefits humanity. You'll hear from the scientists, ethicists, and thinkers who are at the very edge of these fields, providing the context we all need to move beyond simple hype or fear. The goal is understanding, equipping us to grapple with the ethical dilemmas and societal impacts that these tools inevitably bring. Tuning into this podcast means engaging with the critical conversations that will define our collective path forward, examining whether our relationship with emerging science leads to utopia or dystopia. It's a necessary guide for anyone curious about the forces designing our tomorrow.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 12

Brave New Planet
Podcast Episodes
Introducing Brave New Planet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:38
Introducing Brave New Planet, a seven-part series that delves deep into powerful technologies changing our world. They have amazing potential upsides, but we can’t ignore the serious risks. Hosted by Dr. Eric Lander, Bra…