Drones @ Combat

Abstract

Forms of warfare are changing dramatically. Classical warfare has been related to national states for centuries. Today's wars are different. They become more and more asymmetric, shaped by terrorism and new technologies - such as microelectronics, satellites, computer and information technologies, combat robots and drones. This chapter focuses on drones as one of the latest forms of new high-tech warfare and their relations to moral responsibility from a philosophical point of view. Drones are a form of new and young technology, but the ways of using the word 'autonomy' are older. The chapter presents a reflection of anthropological relations between moral responsibility and combat drones: linguistic, technical, and moral practice. Drones are a mirror plate for the established practices of talking about autonomy. Responsibility for the usage of drones is related to a concrete human person or groups of human persons such as operators, commanders, generals, or politicians.