The ethical debate about the use of autonomous weapon systems from a theological perspective

Abstract

‘Pope calls on G7 leaders to ban use of autonomous weapons’ (The Guardian 2024) is the headline from statements which pope Franziskus made during the G7-summit on June 14th, 2024. In general it can be observed that the ethical debate concerning the use of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) is an extremely complex and contentious issue, raising both technical and ethical challenges. Through a comparative analysis of relevant literature the theological perspective is introduced into the debate and highlight potential implications for the use of AWS. The increasing autonomy, where machines can autonomously select and engage targets, raises questions regarding compliance with international humanitarian law, the preservation of human dignity and moral responsibility. The research question addressed in this article is as follows: ‘What are the theological-ethical arguments regarding the use of AWS?’ In conclusion, three key points for a theological-ethical examination consist of the question about the pessimistic human image as a premise of the pro-AWS argumentation and ethical questions based on the highest or preferable good as well as on moral responsibility. It is synthesised, that the pessimistic human image can be represented, that as highest good right to life should be preferred against human dignity and that moral responsibility always should stick on humans and not on AWS.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article positions theological ethics within the emerging field of ethical dilemmas arising from autonomous functions in the realm of technical ethics.