The Legality and Ethics of Autonomous Weapons: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

Autonomous weapons, also known as killer robots, are weapons that can select and engage targets without human intervention. The development and deployment of these weapons have raised significant legal and ethical concerns. This article critically appraises the legality and ethics of autonomous weapons. It analyzes the current international legal framework governing autonomous weapons and argues that there is a need for new regulations to address the unique challenges posed by these weapons. The article also examines the ethical concerns associated with the development and deployment of autonomous weapons, such as accountability, responsibility, and the potential for unintended harm. Finally, the article proposes recommendations for addressing the legal and ethical challenges posed by autonomous weapons.