For the final project, create a story about a robot and an ethical decision it makes that leads to an unexpected consequence, a perverse instantiation.
Paper
You will write a paper that both summarizes and analyzes your story. The paper should include:
a description of any background needed to understand the ethical issues raised by your story including the setting and characters. Be sure to include details such as the purpose that the robot fulfills in the world you create.
an explanation of how the robot is designed to make ethical decisions so that it does not hurt itself, people, or society and why it was designed this way.
a description of how the robot applies its ethical reasoning to the conundrum it faces in the story and the result of that application.
an evaluation of the robot’s decision including both the strengths and weaknesses and your personal opinion.
a recommendation for how the problem of your story could be prevented. Consider changes to the robot, the people who interact with it, and the world itself.
Presentation
You will also deliver a short formal presentation of your paper during class. Instead of describing your story, your presentation should include a video that depicts the story you created. The presentation itself should:
- be no more than 8 minutes
- have slides
Peer Evaluation
We will do partnered peer evaluations of your paper during class on Monday, April 17th. You must have a draft of your paper ready for class on this day.
Evaluation
Your paper will be evaluated according to the Roanoke College Writing Rubric and Ethical Reasoning Rubric.
Your presentation will be evaluated according to the Roanoke College Oral Communications Rubric.
Submission
Please submit a first draft of your paper for peer evaluation on the course Inquire page before class on Monday April 17th.
Please submit a final revision of your paper, your video and your presentation slides on the course Inquire page before class on the day scheduled for your presentation, either April 19th, April 21st, or April 24th. Refer to the presentation schedulepresentation schedule for the day you will be presenting.