SELF-DRIVING CARS AND TROLLEY PROBLEMS: ALGORITHM DECISION-MAKING IN LIFE/DEATH SITUATIONS: A NIGERIAN THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION A NIGERIAN THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION Section Articles

Abstract

Artificial intelligence should be aligned with human values, but does this mean AI will need to enforce

those values outside its own systems? Recent years have seen rapid advances in AI, including self

driving cars and AI systems that can master chess in a matter of hours. This essay examines self-driving

cars and the trolley problem, focusing on ethical issues in life-and-death decisions from a Nigerian

perspective and considering theological implications. It provides an overview of self-driving cars,

explores ethical dilemmas, examines the Nigerian context, presents case studies, offers theological

reflections, and offers recommendations. While much attention is given to the Trolley Problem, this

focus can overshadow other important ethical challenges. The paper suggests that technology should

be evaluated both in terms of its rules and its broader worldview. Understanding how these vehicles

learn reveals many other morally significant design choices. The essay also considers the unique

dilemmas self-driving cars may pose in Nigeria, a country with diverse cultures and religions, and uses

Kant’s theory of Humanity to guide theological reflection. The research relies on library sources to

support its qualitative approach, as self-driving cars are not yet widely available in Nigeria.