Graduate Certificate in Ethical Empathy Building for Driverless Cars
Published on June 24, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Sarah Peterson, an expert in autonomous vehicle ethics and the lead instructor for the new Graduate Certificate in Ethical Empathy Building for Driverless Cars. Sarah, welcome! GUEST: Thank you, I'm excited to be here! HOST: Could you start by sharing what inspired you to create this unique course? GUEST: Absolutely! As driverless cars become more common, it's crucial to address the ethical implications. I wanted to create a program that blends technology with human-centered design, focusing on empathy building. HOST: That's fascinating. How do you see this human-centered approach impacting the future of autonomous driving? GUEST: It's vital. By understanding user experiences, we can design systems that are not only safer but also more socially acceptable. This fosters trust and adoption of driverless cars. HOST: Speaking of which, what current trends are you seeing in the industry when it comes to ethical considerations? GUEST: There's growing interest in developing ethical guidelines for autonomous vehicles, especially around dilemma situations. Also, there's a strong focus on transparency in decision-making processes. HOST: I can imagine there must be challenges in teaching such a complex subject. Can you share any that you've encountered? GUEST: Yes, one challenge is helping students grasp the nuances of ethical decision-making in autonomous driving. It's a complex field that requires critical thinking and deep understanding of various perspectives. HOST: Absolutely. Lastly, where do you see this area heading in the next 5 to 10 years? GUEST: I believe we'll see more emphasis on ethical training for autonomous vehicle professionals, as well as increased collaboration between tech companies, ethicists, and policymakers. HOST: Dr. Sarah Peterson, thank you so much for joining us today and giving us valuable insights into this cutting-edge course. To our listeners, if you're interested in shaping the future of mobility, be sure to check out the Graduate Certificate in Ethical Empathy Building for Driverless Cars!
