The Ethics Center in Science and Technology hosts "Robowarfare. Is the world a better place when robots fight our wars for us?"

Exploring Ethics
the science and ethics forum
http://www.ethicscenter.net/Events/FleetProgram/RoboWarfare.html

An ongoing series of free, public events jointly sponsored by the Ethics Center and the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Go to the full schedule of events at the Fleet

RoboWarfare. Is the world a better place when robots fight our wars for us?

Date: September 2, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Location: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
Organizers: Mike Kalichman, Lawrence Hinman, & Stuart Henry, The Ethics Center
Jeffrey Kirsch, Lynne Kennedy, & Amanda Lincoln, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Program:

During the last five years, the United States military has increasingly turned to drones, robots, and robotic weapons systems in its wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This shifting reliance on robotic technology not only promises increased efficiency and effectiveness, but also holds out the promise of reducing American combat casualties. Robots enter hazardous areas that would pose intolerable risks to human beings but what are the dangers when human beings are removed from the loop? As weapons systems become more autonomous, human beings play an increasingly insignificant role in the decision to fire those weapons. As unmanned combat vehicles are increasingly able to fire upon suspected enemy combatants, American drone operators are safely shielded from direct retaliation. But what is the cost of killing when there is no risk of retaliation? These challenges will be addressed by three panelists scheduled for our Exploring Ethics program for September 2009:

* John Sullins, CSU Sonoma
* Barbara Fletcher, SPAWAR
* Lal Tummala, SDSU

RSVP: The program and parking are free but please RSVP by August 31.
To RSVP, go to http://ethics.ucsd.edu/2009Sep2.html.
Once we receive your RSVP, we will send a confirmation with driving and parking details. We recommend that you arrive at the event by
5 p.m. Only those who have RSVP'd will be allowed to go in at that time. At 5:15 p.m. we will open the Lecture Hall to walk-ins and those not on the RSVP list.