Autonomous Weapon Systems ISTOCK Failing the Principle of Discrimination I n this article, I explore the ethical permissibility of autonomous weapon systems (AWSs), also colloquially known as killer robots: robotic weapons systems that are able to identify and engage a target without human intervention. I introduce the subject, highlight key technical issues, and provide necessary definitions and clarifications in order to limit the scope of the discussion. I argue for a (preemptive) ban on AWSs anchored in just war theory and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which are both briefly introduced below. To make my case, I examine and juxtapose a series of arguments and counterarguments in favor of and against AWSs made by several authors from the literature, especially Sharkey [1], and Schmitt and Turner [2]. I will Ariel Guersenzvaig Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MTS.2018.2795119 Date of publication: 2 March 2018 MARCH 2018 ∕ IEEE Technology and Society Magazine 1932-4529/18©2018IEEE 55