Final answer:
Yes, software developers who work on critical applications such as software for self-driving cars should be required to be licensed. A license would establish accountability and responsibility, ensure necessary skills and knowledge, and maintain strict quality standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, software developers who work on critical applications such as software for self-driving cars should be required to be licensed. The reason for this is to ensure that these developers have the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical standards to develop safe and reliable software that can handle potentially life-threatening situations. A license would also help establish accountability and responsibility for any failures or issues that may arise.
One example is the field of medicine, where doctors are required to be licensed to ensure they meet certain standards and can be held accountable for their actions. Similarly, requiring software developers to be licensed for critical applications can help protect human lives and ensure the overall safety of such technologies.
Overall, licensing software developers working on critical applications is important to mitigate risks, maintain strict quality standards, and provide assurance to the public that the software has been developed by competent professionals.