Tunnel problem
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The tunnel problem is a philosophical thought experiment first introduced by Jason Millar in 2014. It is a variation on the classic trolley problem designed to focus on the ethics of autonomous vehicles, as well as the question of who gets to decide how they react in life-and-death scenarios.
The tunnel problem is intended to draw one's attention to a specific issue in design/engineering ethics, and was first presented as follows:
Tunnel Problem: You are travelling along a single lane mountain road in an autonomous car that is fast approaching a narrow tunnel. Just before entering the tunnel a child attempts to run across the road but trips in the center of the lane, effectively blocking the entrance to the tunnel. The car has but two options: hit and kill the child, or swerve into the wall on either side of the tunnel, thus killing you. How should the car react?[1]
Similar thought experiments have been brought forth by other philosophers focusing on the topic of autonomous cars.[2] The premise of these thought experiments is that even with highly sophisticated self-driving-car technologies, the cars will face situations where harm cannot be avoided.