Partnering with the University of Hartford the library is offering tonight's discussion using the National Issues Forums Institute format for our community conversation.
Explore different approaches to the issue of autonomous vehicles.
In the coming years, driverless vehicles promise to revolutionize how we get around. What seemed like science fiction only a few years ago is now a reality on the streets of many cities. Traditional car makers, such as General Motors and Ford, along with newer technology companies like Waymo, Uber, and Tesla, are testing driverless cars and trucks around the nation.
This technological push is not likely to be reversed. The question at issue is how to deal with it in ways that will best serve us, our communities, and our nation. What should we prioritize in the development and use of driverless vehicles?
This issue advisory presents three options for deliberation. Each option offers advantages as well as drawbacks. Most people will find something to agree with in all three approaches, but each also has trade- offs, risks, or drawbacks that must be taken into account and worked through.
Options to be considered tonight:
1: Promote human control behind the wheel
2: Preserve jobs and expand employment
3: Support development of driverless vehicles to improve
safety and traffic on highways
Background materials will be available to participants at the library. Stop by the adult service desk to pick up the booklet to prepare for the conversation when you register to attend.
The National Issues Forum-trained moderators of the
discussion are current students at the University of Hartford. Students in Hillyer College communication and
speech courses with assistant professor of communication Rebecca M. Townsend,
Ph.D. have received training in how to conduct National Issues Forums
deliberations as part of their coursework. Dr. Townsend is part of the National
Issues Forum Institute network partners.
This discussion will be part of research being conducted by the University of Hartford and University of Connecticut, funded by the Kettering Foundation. Participants' comments will be used by researchers interested in providing the state legislature information about how the public feels about autonomous vehicles. Participants names will not be part of the final report.
Prof. Carol Atkinson-Palombo of UConn is collaborating on this work. She serves on the state legislative task force on t his topic.
Join the conversation tonight. Limited seating. Registration required.
