Civilizing drones by design

This chapter discusses drones as an example of a dual-use technology and explores the relationship between their design, their use, and the resulting values expressed in a new context of use. It provides an overview of theories such as value-sensitive design (VSD) with a better understanding of why dual use raises ethical issues. The chapter explains drone technology, and the approach of van Wynsberghe for a variety of reasons. It explore how drones fit the value hierarchy of a military context and how drones may or may not fit the value hierarchy of a military context and how drones may or may not fit the value hierarchy of a civilian context. The chapter explores the idea that the use of drones to replace police officers may also be in the best interests of citizens, where the scandals of police brutality in the United States against African American males. It discusses drones in different civil domains: agriculture, rescue and disaster management, policing, and city governance.