Page 15 - nai udaan march 2024
P. 15
Book Review
iRobot by Isaac
Asimov
A Timeless Classic for
Science Students
The Three Laws are as follows: probable consequences of these laws when
applied in different situations. Asimov's expert
1- A robot may not injure a human being, or, storytelling combines scientific concepts with
through inaction, allow a human being to intriguing narratives, making "iRobot"
come to harm. reachable and engaging for readers from all
2- A robot must obey the orders given to it by backgrounds.
human beings, except where such orders would
conflict with the First Law. The stories feature Dr. Susan Calvin, one of
3- A robot must protect its own existence as the most memorable characters in Isaac
long as such protection does not conflict with Asimov's "iRobot." She is a robotic scientist
the First or Second Law. who is shown as an important person in
understanding the ethical and philosophical
"iRobot" is a path-breaking work in the science challenges posed by the increasing number of
fiction genre by Isaac Asimov. It provides a robots in society.
collection of short stories that explore the
multifaceted relationship between robots and She serves as a key figure who is portrayed
humans. It was first published in 1950, as highly intelligent, analytical, and pragmatic,
Asimov's narrative was unusually visionary at possessing a deep understanding of robotics
that time and still remains timeless in its study and the Three Laws. Her character is often
of ethical dilemmas, technological progress depicted as emotionally reserved and logical,
and the ever-changing dynamics between AI- with a focus on the scientific aspects of her
Artificial Intelligence and human intelligence. work. Calvin's detachment can sometimes
The book provides an insight into Asimov's come across as cold, but it reflects her commitment
famed Three Laws of Robotics, which provide to her research and her drive to ensure the
the ethical boundaries controlling robot safety and proper functioning of AI in relation
behaviour.
to humans. Despite her stoic behaviour, Calvin
has a strong sense of moral responsibility. She
These laws give priority to human safety
and following human orders, creating a broad struggles with the ethical dilemmas posed by
framework for human-robot interactions that robots, often finding herself in situations
are profound and visionary at the same time. where she must make difficult decisions that
Through this engaging series of thought-provoking balance the well-being of both humans and
stories, Asimov presents the complexities and robots.
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