Synopsis: They mustn't harm a human being, they must obey human orders, and they must protect their own existence...but only so long as that doesn't violate rules one and two. With these Three Laws of Robotics, humanity embarked on a bold new era of evolution that would open up enormous possibilities - and unforeseen risks. For the scientists who invented the earliest robots weren't content that their creations should remain programmed helpers, companions, and semisentient worker-machines. And soon the robots themselves, aware of their own intelligence, power, and humanity, aren't either. As humans and robots struggle to survive together - and sometimes against each other - on earth and in space, the future of both hangs in balance. Here human men and women confront robots gone mad, telepathic robots, robot politicians, and vast robotic intelligences that may already secretly control the world. And both are asking the same questions: What is human? And is humanity obsolete? (from the back of the book)
Review: I enjoyed the movie and was eager to read the book - which turned out nothing like the movie. At all. The only thing the same was the name Susan Calvin. But while the movie and the books (which is actually a collection of short stories) are vastly different as far as character and plot, the remain the same in essentials. The idea of the three laws and what they really mean to those interpreting them - both human and robots - is essential to both. The book explores the theme of what it means to be human - and can a robot be human or not? My favorite story was Evidence - because at the end, I still wasn't sure. And I love a good mystery. For any science fiction fan, or fan of philosophy, this is a must. Asimov is a brilliant writer and worth reading.
Bookmarks: 7 of 10
Awards: None
ISBN: 0-553-29438-5
Date Finished: 8-5-2015
Pages: 272
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