A case for “killer robots”: why in the long run martial AI may be good for peace

Abstract

Purpose – The remarkable increase of sophistication of artificial intelligence in recent years has already led to its widespread use in martial applications, the potential of so-called “killer robots” ceasing to be a subject of fiction. The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the consequences of the availability of lethal autonomous robots (LARs) on global peace. Design/methodology/approach – Virtually without exception, the aforementioned potential of LARs has generated fear, as evidenced by a mounting number of academic articles calling for the ban on their development and deployment. An analysis of the existing ethical objections to LARs is used as a vehicle for their critique and the advancement of an alternative. Findings – The presented analysis shows the contemporary thought to be deficient in philosophical rigour, these deficiencies leading to a different view, one favourable to the development of LARs. Originality/value – The emergent thesis is that LARs can in fact be a force for peace, leading to fewer and less deadly wars.

Keywords

• Artificial intelligence
• Drones
• Conflict
• Peace