Predictability, Distinction &amp;amp; Due Care in the use of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems

Download This Paper Open PDF in Browser Add Paper to My Library Share: Permalink Using these links will ensure access to this page indefinitely Copy URL Predictability, Distinction & Due Care in the use of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems 26 Pages Posted: 6 May 2022 See all articles by Alexander BlanchardAlexander BlanchardThe Alan Turing InstituteMariarosaria TaddeoUniversity of Oxford - Oxford Internet Institute Date Written: May 3, 2022 Abstract In this article we address the possibility of using Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) in compliance with the jus in bello principle of distinction. This principle requires that parties to an armed conflict distinguish between military objects and civilian objects, directing their actions only towards the former. We argue that systems characterised by unpredictability cannot be used in a way which respects the principle of distinction and that this is particularly problematic when these systems target human agents. We find that the use of LAWS unacceptably weights the risks of conflict towards civilians, in breach of the obligation of due care, which states that combatants are obliged to accept greater risks to themselves to ensure that they hit only the right target, and that there is not the military necessity warranting an infringement of this obligation. We develop our analysis through a critique of a recent International Committee of the Red Cross position on LAWS. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Jus in Bello Distinction, Due Care, Predictability, Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems, Military Ethics, Just War Theory. Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation Blanchard, Alexander and Taddeo, Mariarosaria, Predictability, Distinction & Due Care in the use of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (May 3, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4099394 Alexander Blanchard (Contact Author) The Alan Turing Institute British Library, 96 Euston RoadLondon, NW12DBUnited Kingdom Mariarosaria Taddeo University of Oxford - Oxford Internet Institute ( email ) 1 St. GilesUniversity of OxfordOxford OX1 3PG Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire OX1 3JSUnited Kingdom Download This Paper Open PDF in Browser Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN? Place job opening Paper statistics Downloads 2 Abstract Views 21 PlumX Metrics Related eJournals Social & Political Philosophy eJournal Follow Social & Political Philosophy eJournal Subscribe to this free journal for more curated articles on this topic FOLLOWERS 866 PAPERS 18,866 National Security & Foreign Relations Law eJournal Follow National Security & Foreign Relations Law eJournal Subscribe to this fee journal for more curated articles on this topic FOLLOWERS 715 PAPERS 10,491 This Journal is curated by: Oren Gross at University of Minnesota Law School Ethics eJournal Follow Ethics eJournal Subscribe to this free journal for more curated articles on this topic FOLLOWERS 648 PAPERS 8,753 Robotics eJournal Follow Robotics eJournal Subscribe to this fee journal for more curated articles on this topic FOLLOWERS 186 PAPERS 831 Feedback Feedback to SSRN Feedback (required) Email (required) Submit If you need immediate assistance, call 877-SSRNHelp (877 777 6435) in the United States, or +1 212 448 2500 outside of the United States, 8:30AM to 6:00PM U.S. Eastern, Monday - Friday. Submit a Paper Section 508 Text Only Pages SSRN Quick Links SSRN Solutions Research Paper Series Conference Papers Partners in Publishing Jobs & Announcements Newsletter Sign Up SSRN Rankings Top Papers Top Authors Top Organizations About SSRN SSRN Objectives Network Directors Presidential Letter Announcements Contact us FAQs Copyright Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy We use cookies to help provide and enhance our service and tailor content. To learn more, visit Cookie Settings. This page was processed by aws-apollo5 in 0.221 seconds