Abstract Compares robots in Asimov's novel & replicants in Scott's film. Discusses the paradox that , even as human beings in the real world seek to develop machines that can think, it is also apparent that these same human beings fear such machines.
From the Paper " Artificial intelligence is a dream of mankind, but it is also an elusive one. Science has created machines that can emulate certain human thought processes at high speed, but these machines cannot really be said to think. In fiction, however, the problems involved can be solved, and robots have been presented in fiction which are very human in the way they think. However, even as human beings in the real world seek to develop machines that can think, it is also apparent that these same human beings fear such machines. In fiction, this is often addressed by the development of rules for the conduct of robots and androids, and yet often these rules can be bent quite far by the intelligent machines at which the rules are directed. Isaac Asimov created perhaps the most famous set of such rules in his Three Laws of robotics, logical rules that the author uses to.."
Abstract This paper includes a summary breakdown of "Foundation" by Isaac Asimov. This paper begins with a summary for each divided section of the work. It the provides a critique of the work and the work's importance to society. It then explains the author's background and how his personal life impacts the work.
From the Paper "Foundation takes place in the near future of mankind in a far region of space. The existence of Earth is only slightly mentioned in the novel, but otherwise not discussed. However, various planets inhabit the storyline and make it just as interesting. The first part of the novel, The Psychohistorians, is the story of the mathematician Gaal Dornick, who comes to the center of the Galactic Empire, known as Trantor. Here Gaal plans on working for the famous psychohistorian Hari Seldon. Seldon along with his group of researchers is known for predicting future events and mathematical consequences of modern actions. Soon enough, Seldon predicts the downfall of the empire and Trantor. He is then convicted of treason and exiled to the planet Terminus where he negotiated to be able to make a "Foundation" to preserve all known human knowledge for use in the future. The second part of the novel, The Encyclopedists, tells the story Terminus and the Foundation in the future as the remains of the Empire (known as the four kingdoms), fight to control Terminus and militarize it for protection."
Abstract The paper begins with an introduction to the life of Isaac Asimov, one of America's most gifted authors whose interest in chemistry and invention of the three laws of robotics, led him to write "Robots of Dawn". The paper then discusses these laws of robotics before analyzing the novel, including plots and characters.
Paper Outline:
I. Introduction
II. Isaac Asimov's Background
1. Asimov as Visionary
2. Machine Intelligence
3. Laws of Robotics
III. Robots of Dawn Summary
1. History of Earth and Aurora
2. Setting
IV. Strength of Characters Gladia, Baley, and Fastolfe
1. Human versus Robot Characteristics
3. Conflict Between Characters
Conclusion?Qualities of Robots of Dawn
From the Paper "Asimov was successful in illustrating that robots can have not only a different kind of moral system than the humans, but a different level of intelligence as well. This is demonstrated in the characteristics of the Spacers. By exploiting the fact that humans don?t handle rapid calculations very well, Asimov creates the perfect setting for Aurora, which was the first extra-solar planet settled by what Asimov referred to as the Spacers. (Asimov 43). Aurora has a completely different social society than the Earth people do and the way they go about socializing is complex. Asimov's robots engage in sex with an extremely casual attitude, and interestingly enough, sex is a considerable part of the novel. Procreation is reserved only for the married and that is the only reason that a marriage permit will be granted. Clearly, Asimov is making a conscious decision to make them different from the Earth people. He allows the Earth people to hold on to conservative beliefs while giving the robots total freedom. By giving the Aurorans their own identity, Asimov is giving them depth as well. They are not seen as cold or flat characters, but rather interesting, engaging, and sometimes likable."
Abstract This paper examines how science fiction challenges our concepts of belief, faith, and religion because it wantonly contests our comfortable notions of what is and what could become reality. It demonstrates how, out of all of what science fiction has to offer, nothing captures this more than the speculation of extraterrestrial culture and life in space. It discusses how science fiction is the grey area between religion and science that gives us something to believe in beyond what we are told to take as the "gospel". It shows how we are allowed to imagine the possibilities and find comfort in these concepts, ideas, and stories developed by science fiction authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov.
From the Paper "We theorize on the meaning of life and death, which incorporate themselves into our discussions on extraterrestrial life. Religious doctrines basically say that the heavens are God's place, although science has shown us the galaxies, stars and planets that dwell in the heavens. We place our faith in science to uncover vaccines and cures for terminal illnesses and diseases like AIDS, cancer, cholera, and dysentery. We are not as pious as our ancestors were in the Middle Ages, because we believe in science, yet, we still pray and believe in the traditions of our own religious beliefs. Perhaps if only for the reason that we do not entirely trust science to hold all the answers, or maybe, just maybe, we believe that religion and science are both right."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the issue of technological dystopia by highlighting the negative aspects surrounding the inclusion of fictional robots in both film and written works of fiction. The writer discusses why the characters or images portrayed by robots cause either admiration or resentment to the audience. This paper also explores the underlying issues that authors and filmmaker are trying to convey in using robots as central characters in their stories. This paper looks at the human-like robots in author Isaac Asimov's science fiction novels. This paper analyzes the impact of robots and advanced technology in films such as "Terminator" and "I, Robot." This paper discusses the common theme prevalent in numerous films and novels pertaining to the perfection of robots and the imperfection of human beings. This paper also analyzes the relationship between the fictional robot and man.
From the Paper "Like any other machine invented by man, robots are shown to have the capacity to malfunction. Unlike a malfunctioning watch, car, or any other machine, robots are portrayed to have superior intelligence and consciousness. This makes the "malfunction" even more dangerous, since they can manifest harm with superior intent and capability. A robot defect is magnified because it can create an "intelligent" danger that humans may not be able to handle. There's also the factor of consciousness. Robots can become self-aware and realize that they are superior to humans. The implications of this are vast and debatable. Perhaps they will cooperate with humans and regard us as their creator, or realize that they are the superior beings and enslave humanity. Regardless of the result, authors always highlight this possibility. Something that has the superior capability to do good also has the same capability to do harm, so fail-safe devices should be put in place."
Abstract A paper written in question-and-answer form where science fiction as an art in literature and films is explored. Subjects covered are works which have impacted viewers and readers over the years, themes of these works and dystopias. Example of questions are: Who are some of the great writers of the past in Science fiction?, What exactly is science fiction as compared to horror, mystery, or adventure novels?, What is the movie "Fahrenheit 451" about? and many more.
From the Paper "(14) What is the society in Fahrenheit 451 like? Everyone is told they are part of a larger family. They are all cousins. This Utopian society is actually a dysfunctional one in which people are hunted down on TV for any violation of the rules. In one scene everyone in a neighborhood is ordered outside the home to look for a runner. The people obey and stand outside their homes as ordered. It is reminiscent of a scene in China during President Ford's visit when an unexpected snow fell in the middle of the night. Block monitors alerted the people and everyone was out with brooms to clear the sidewalks. This is what a totalitarian society can do. It can provide what the state wants and control the actions of their people. Some people will accept this type of society but most will find it stupefying."
Critical review of 10-volume work & its impact on Isaac Asimov's science-fiction. Discusses public & professional reactions and the work's major concepts.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 19 sources, 1999, $ 119.95
From the Paper " In 1952, British historian Arnold Toynbee published the last of the ten planned original volumes of A Study of History, a immense work on which he had been engaged since the 1920s, and the first four volumes of which had appeared in the 1930s. Two final volumes were published in 1961, one an atlas and gazeteer (not consulted for this essay), and a volume of Reconsiderations, at once answering his critics and re-evaluating aspects of his own work.
The title of the whole work was simple, sweeping, and in a way misleading. A Study of History was neither a narrative world history like H.G. Well's or William H. McNeill's nor a treatise on historiography, though it had elements of both. In its initial intent it was an inquiry into the overall dynamics of history: why civilizations emerge and rise, and why most of them.."
Abstract This paper compares Mark Twain's "Letters From the Earth," a critique of Christianity set as a revisionist creation myth, with other critical works on Genesis, or which address hypocrisies in Christian beliefs supported by the text of Genesis. The works to which Twain's satire is compared are: Harold Bloom's "Book of J", Thomas Paine's "The Age of Reason", Elaine Pagels' "Adam, Eve and the Serpent", Isaac Asimov's "In the Beginning" and David Leeming's "Dictionary of Creation Myths".
Abstract This paper discusses the social impact of robots on children, particularly in terms of how the child relates to the robotic nanny, communicates and socializes. The writer examines how artificial intelligence affects social behaviours of children. Further the writer looks at whether robotic nannies can afford for increased isolation and alienation from society or whether artificial intelligence will prove to be advantageous to humans alike.
From the Paper "Technological advancement has played an integral role in society and is continuing to shape culture and society in the 21st century. Some experts suggest that technological advancement is directed by social change. In other words, society will "step up to the plate" in times of technological challenges (i.e. the stone age and the invention of the wheel). As technology advances, innovative computerized products will become more readily available to the public as the need for living assistance increases due to the necessity for dual income earning family structures of the millennium."
