Matters of Life and Death
Autonomous killer drones and the future of warfare
Aug 7, 2024
The podcast dives into the chilling implications of autonomous killer drones in modern warfare, particularly highlighted by the conflict in Ukraine. It raises pressing ethical questions about AI making life-and-death decisions without human intervention. The conversation also explores the moral status of frozen embryos from IVF, revealing staggering statistics about their indefinite storage and the emotional dilemmas faced by couples. With thought-provoking insights, it challenges listeners to consider the future of technology and its ethical landscape.
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding the increasing number of frozen embryos in the UK due to IVF advancements and their uncertain moral status.
- Concerns are raised about the future of warfare with lethal autonomous drones making decisions on targets without human intervention, highlighting accountability and ethical implications.
Deep dives
Embryo Storage in Reproductive Technology
The podcast highlights the increasing number of embryos being stored in the UK due to advances in reproductive technology, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF). As the demand for IVF has surged, largely influenced by the delayed motherhood trend among women, more embryos are being created than are needed for implantation. Current regulations allow for up to 501,000 embryos to remain in long-term storage, raising questions about their ethical status and societal implications. The discussions center on the limited options for unused embryos, which include donation for research, freezing, or destruction, emphasizing the moral dilemmas faced by couples undergoing IVF.
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