2 research outputs found
A Promise Theoretic Account of the Boeing 737 Max MCAS Algorithm Affair
Many public controversies involve the assessment of statements about which we
have imperfect information. Without a structured approach, it is quite
difficult to develop an approach to reasoning which is not based on ad hoc
choices. Forms of logic have been used in the past to try to bring such
clarity, but these fail for a variety of reasons. We demonstrate a simple
approach to bringing a standardized approach to semantics, in certain
discourse, using Promise Theory. As a case, we use Promise Theory (PT) to
collect and structure publicly available information about the case of the MCAS
software component for the Boeing 737 Max flight control system
Candidate Software Process Flaws for the Boeing 737 Max MCAS Algorithm and Risks for a Proposed Upgrade
By reasoning about the claims and speculations promised as part of the public
discourse, we analyze the hypothesis that flaws in software engineering played
a critical role in the Boeing 737 MCAS incidents. We use promise-based
reasoning to discuss how, from an outsider's perspective, one may assemble
clues about what went wrong. Rather than looking for a Rational Alternative
Design (RAD), as suggested by Wendel, we look for candidate flaws in the
software process. We describe four such potential flaws. Recently, Boeing has
circulated information on its envisaged MCAS algorithm upgrade. We cast this as
a promise to resolve the flaws, i.e. to provide a RAD for the B737 Max. We
offer an assessment of B-Max-New based on the public discourse.Comment: Sequel to arXiv:2001.01543 [cs.OH