Virtue Ethics in Robotics: An ethics module to cultivate character and ethical reasoning
This academic paper describes the design, implementation, and assessment of a virtue ethics education module integrated into a senior-level Mobile Robotics technical elective course. The module uses a character education framework based on the Jubilee Centre model to cultivate virtues such as empathy, intellectual humility, and practical wisdom among engineering students. Through weekly discussions, student-led artifacts, and a final role-play case study, the module aims to improve student efficacy in ethical reasoning and reflection on professional qualities in AI and robotics.
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Who issued it
Who it governs
This paper is for engineering educators, researchers, and curriculum developers seeking to integrate ethics and character education into technical AI and robotics courses.
What the document contains
The paper covers the motivation, course context, theoretical frameworks, module implementation, and assessment of a virtue ethics module applied to a mobile robotics course. It details student assignments including weekly artifacts, discussion threads with a two-questions-and-a-thought format, and a final town hall role-play case study.
The paper does not provide binding regulatory standards, legal enforcement mechanisms, or formal policy frameworks for commercial AI deployment.
- Integrating virtue ethics into engineering curricula helps cultivate character and ethical reasoning in future AI and robotics professionals.
- A modular approach utilizing weekly student-led discussions and diverse artifact formats can successfully embed ethics into technical courses.
- Student self-efficacy and confidence in identifying relevant virtues increased significantly following participation in the module.
- A final role-play case study demonstrated that students could apply cumulative virtues such as empathy, intellectual humility, and practical wisdom.
- While student confidence improved, depth of engagement in live discussions showed mixed results, indicating a need for refined pedagogical strategies.
· Introduction · Virtue Ethics in Robotics and AI · Purpose and Context · Theoretical Frameworks · Virtue Ethics Module Description · Virtue Ethics Module Analysis Strategy · Results and Discussion · Future Work · Conclusion
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
0/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
1/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
AI bias - These systems are vulnerable to biases and errors introduced by its human makers.
Ethical Considerations in AI Topics
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
1/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
Robot rights - How do we define the humane treatment of AI?
Ethical Considerations in AI Topics
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
1/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
Singularity - How do we stay in control of a complex intelligent system?
Ethical Considerations in AI Topics
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
0/5Protection of personal data and private life
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
0/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
2/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Critically evaluate ethical considerations in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence
Purpose and Context
screening score · 2026-10-23