191
CHAPTER- 5
CONCLUSION
Science fiction is a form of fiction which deals principally with the effect of actual
or possible science upon society or individuals. In this world of rapidly changing
technology, ethical questions raised by developments in biology and medicine and
by increasingly sophisticated mass communication, serious science fiction may be
better equipped than any other kind of literature to contemplate the predicament
such changes present. (Bennett n. pag.)
Science fiction functions as telescope which projects the far future things very closer
and also as microscope which aids people to see the things placed where the normal
vision could not reach. The future in science fiction is often exposed as a dystopian
panorama. The focal point of the dystopian science fiction is technological
exploitation. The fascination of dystopian mode came to an end in 1942, the publication
year of Asimov‘s ―Runaround‖. Asimov with his optimistic vision has shaped new
science fiction which the world had never seen before his writings. His stories have
amusing narratives, punctiliously rational notions and social themes. Asimov‘s writings
have focused on future worlds, the nature of humanity, the powers of politics, and
machine ethics. He has furnished a new dimension of rational and intellectual perception
to the science fiction genre. ―Armed with a uniquely creative imagination, plus a gift for
explaining difficult ideas, he began to carve out a remarkable dual role: that of sciencefiction writer and futurist and of public educator and interpreter of science‖ (Symonds
n. pag.).
Asimov‘s science fiction is commonly branded as hard science fiction while his stories
are typically based on actual scientific facts. He has rightly anticipated inevitable
evolutions in the fields computer science and aeronautical in future. ―One change
192
involves the computerization of our society, and the other change involves the extension
of our capabilities through aeronautical and space research" (Symonds n. pag.). Asimov‘s
strong belief is that people of the future world would establish colonies in Moon, Mars
and Space. In his stories Asimov has focused on miscellaneous fields like computer,
robotics, medicine, space, education and politics. Asimov‘s science short stories
predominantly explore the potential benefit of robots. He has formulated solely human
assistant mechanical man and he is the pioneer in initializing a particular stereotype
characters for robots.
The second chapter entitled ―Laws of Robotics‖ analyses the cause for the formulation
of the three Laws of Robotics. Asimov, the legendary writer had never been in touch with
the technology of today‘s modern computer. Yet he created a hardware positronic brain
and implemented laws of robotics software in it. Asimov intended to create Laws of
Robotics to ensure that robots would serve as useful tools for humanity.
Asimov created robots that were programmed with the three laws. Their behavioural
patterns were administered and governed with these laws. The purpose for creating robots
in this manner was to make them be absolutely obedient subordinates, willing helpmates
and tireless companions. Robots with such qualities and bearing the human names
naturally began to grip the attention of the people. The Three Laws of Robotics are:
1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being
to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such
orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not
conflict with the First or Second Law. (Asimov, Robot Visions 8)
193
Asimov‘s stories portrayed how his robots followed the ethical laws, where they
actually struggled to abide by them and also exposed the result of the alternations in the
laws. The First Law insisted on and established the real association between human and
machine. Robots Robbie, Speedy, Cutie, Byerley, R. Idda, Rambo, Rodney, Al-76 and
Mike followed the laws perfectly. Strict adherence to the first law enabled these robots
never to harm the human. Human safety was the primary issue and the First Law
acknowledged that the robots were only the best human companion. These robots
transformed the entire world view formulated based on the performances of the early
robots and this law brought an end to the Frankenstein complex. Through the portrayal of
the robots Elvex, Herbie, Tony and Emma Three, Asimov proved that if the First Law
was not adhered properly then it would jeopardize the humanity. He demonstrated
simultaneously the profitability in the following of the First Law and the menace of the
non-adherence to the Law in his stories. Asimov believed that the technology could be
perfectly activated and controlled by human intelligence and for this he advocated to
utilize some machine ethics like The First Law.
The Second Law directed a robot to be a perfect obedient follower. The robots which
followed the second law properly not only astonished the readers but also triggered the
notions of the scientists. Man needs servants for his assistance. The servant should be
obedient with an instant readiness to carry out the master‘s order. These sorts of perfect,
punctual, obedient, sincere and tireless performances are performed only by the robots.
The second law instructed the robots to perform according to the above mentioned
manners. The principal rationale of this law is to assign the robot virtuously the role of an
assistant to human being.
The third law measured the significance and the worth of the robots. The Third Law
taught the robots that the human life was more important than the existence of the robots.
194
The self -sacrifice of the robot Mike proved that the robots if were properly manufactured
with the laws served the man and also willingly sacrificed itself for him. This illustrated
that the Third Law was created absolutely to ensure human safety. Asimov pointed out
the result of the non adherence to the law in ―Little Lost Robot‖. In this Nester-10 robot
did not follow the First Law and the Third Law so it attacked Susan Calvin. Asimov‘s
Third Law had greater significance because it instructed the robots to deactivate itself
when it realized that its existence would be endangering to the man.
Forty three years after the introduction of the Three Laws of Robotics, Asimov
introduced another law, Zeroth Law in his fiction. ―A robot may not harm humanity, or, by
inaction, allow humanity to come to harm". This law was akin to the First Law and the
distinction between the laws is that while the First Law focused on individual person‘s
safety, the Zeroth Law focused on the security of the entire humanity. Asimov realized
that the three laws were not enough for the welfare of the humanity. After considering the
manipulation of the technology, Asimov wanted to create some consciousness among the
robots that the single man‘s life was not important when compared to the security of the
whole community. In the story ―Sally‖ the robots acted according to the Zeroth Law and
saved the humanity. Through these laws Asimov molded his optimistic thought. His Laws
were directly adopted and altered by other science fiction writers. New Laws of Robotics
were also introduced by his successors.
The robots were merely machines only and the engineers would manufacture them with
safety measures to preclude them from rebelling against humanity similar to handles in the
knives and automatic brakes in the trains. In 2007, South Korea framed National Robot
Guidelines for their advanced robots guard and the concepts in the law echoed Asimov's
laws. NASA adopted ideas from Asimov‘s Laws of Robotics and it framed new laws for
its mission agents. Asimov not only created a new label for robots with his laws
195
of robotics but also invented multifarious robots and as well predicted their
pragmatism. This visionary notion is analyzed in the next chapter ―Prophetic Visions‖
―Prophetic Visions‖ is the title of the third chapter which brings to light Asimov‘s
analytic skill and foreseeing ability. The various concepts conceived in the mind‘s eye of
the writer have attained genesis in actuality. The real possibilities of the inventions of
Isaac Asimov followed in this chapter Prophetic Visions. His notions and concepts have
stimulated the exploring minds of scientists, whose commitment to the cause has
ultimately yielded fruitful success. This further has initiated greater growth in the life
style of people. Asimov captured the real performance of the science in his robot stories.
The first industrial robot, Unimate was invented by the inspiration of Asimov‘s robot
series. ―His work was behind the creation of the very first robotics companies. When
Joseph Engelberg net George Devol in 1856 it was to talk about Asimov, and their
passionate discussion about the master‘s writings was to lead ultimately to the first robot
manufacturing enterprise, Unimation‖ (Ichbiah 50).
Asimov predicted that the positronic brain triggered the functions of the robots. Today
the artificial brain is invented for the robots like NAO and they act according to the signal
given by the artificial brain. In ―Robbie‖ Asimov introduced Nanny robot, now the
Shenyang Siasun Robot and Automation Co. Ltd., invented Nanny Robots which can
speak and send text messages or email to its master. Asimov depicted about the
possibility of robots‘ interaction with the human as well as with other robots in his stories.
The latest robot, NAO has speech recognition, Wi-Fi – communications, sensor facilities,
camera, which acts as eyes, and it can interact with human beings and other robots, and it
has minimal artificial intelligence. Asimov initiated multiple team robots in the story
―Catch the Rabbit. In future multi-team robots would be utilized in numerous fields.
196
Asimov originated storytelling computer in ―Someday‖. Today‘s computer recites lot
of uploaded stories. Storytelling robots are also invented in the present day. PETS
(Personal Electronic Teller of Stories) are introduced to narrate stories for the children in
rehabilitation. He introduced story listening robot in ―Robbie‖ and story writing robot in
―Cal‖. In future the scientists might introduce these sorts of robots. Asimov anticipated
robot guards in the short story ―Light Verse‖. In reality, South Korea has kept robot
police, robot guards and robot prison guards. Domestic house hold robots were introduced
in the stories ―Christmas without Rodney‖, ―Light Verse‖ and ―Satisfaction Guaranteed‖.
Robot Vacuums, Wakamaru a dish washer robot and Honda‘s ASIMO are the best
domestic robots available now. Asimov also foresaw the contribution of robots in the
medical technology in the short story ―Segregationist‖. He introduced Robot surgeon and
the present world has experienced numerous robotic surgery. Nano robot was initiated by
Asimov in the short story ―Too Bad‖ in the year 1989. The present researchers have been
aspiring strenuously to invent nano-robots.
Asimov predicted accurately some scientific facts about Space, Moon, Mars and
Universe. He wrote copious space exploration stories such as ―Reason‖, ―Runaround‖,
―Catch that Rabbit‖, and ―First law‖ in which his robots were working in the outer surface
of the Earth. Today, the robots Robonaut 2 are working in the space station and The
Curiosity Rover, a robotic rover is exploring the Mars successfully. Asimov‘s vision
about space robots absolutely has come true. He also envisaged lunar mining in many
stories such as ―Runaround‖ and ―Robot AL- 76 Goes Astray‖ and ―Robot Dreams‖.
NASA is trying to invent Lunabotics for the lunar mining process. Asimov‘s this
anticipation will also come true in the near future.
Asimov introduced robots in various shapes other than that of human. The robot dog
appeared in ―A Boy‘s Best Friend‖ in 1975 and the real robot pet dog AIBO was invented
197
by the Sony Company in 1999. Robot car was introduced in ―Sally‖ in 1953 and Toyota
Prius introduced robotic self driving car in 2012. In 1974 Asimov introduced robot bird in
―That Thou Art Mindful of Him‖. In the real world, Festo the automation company
invented Robot Bird Festo in 2011. Robot dog, robot car and robot bird all these
Asimov‘s imaginary inventions become real inventions.
In ―Think‖ Asimov introduced LEG, the advanced process of EEG. This technology
could perfectly analyze each cell in the brain. Asimov‘s LEG had the telepathic power
and allowed man to communicate with the computer without verbal communication. In
―Liar‖ also Asimov dealt with the telepathic technology. Asimov‘s vision of telepathy in
1977 came true in 2008. The brain-computer interaction would be possible through non
invasive brain imaging technology like electroencephalography. In the short story
―Satisfaction Guaranteed‖ Susan Calvin elucidated that artificial intelligence and human
language are acquired through some preprogrammed technology. Now the application
NLP (Natural language Processing) allows robots to acquire the human language
perfectly. In the story ―The Fun They Had‖, Isaac Asimov envisaged e –book, online
teaching, and online test. All these ultra modern technology is a common phenomenon
today. Asimov anticipated that the computer technology would transform the entire
phenomena in the education field. Video Conference Inquiry was introduced by Asimov
in the story ―Mirror Image‖. Today many courts utilize this technology in the highly
atypical case.
In this chapter twenty one short stories were analyzed to scrutinize Asimov‘s prophetic
visions. From the available existing facts, the heartwarming finding is that twenty three of
his unique visions have been successfully experimented with and are accomplished as
real. The following interview was conducted by Phil Konstantin with Isaac Asimov for a
198
radio talk in 1979. It was published in the magazine "Southwest Airlines Magazine." This
interview proved that Asimov is a perfect future historian.
SWA Magazine: Due to your number of stories about robots, I wonder if you feel
that we will have full-functioning robots by the year 2000?
Asimov: They are advancing steadily in all sorts of robotic directions, and I think
that assuming that there is no thermonuclear war or that civilization does not meet a
serious crisis that it cannot recover from, I think that by the end of the century we
will have, at least, simple robots. That is, objects that are roughly man-shaped that
can do certain jobs. (Asimov, Interview n. pag.)
Literature cannot be treated as the product of pure imagination meant primarily for
entertaining and engaging the readers. It has to be treated as an invaluable treasure
because literature exhibits the qualities of people of the past, present and the future.
Science fiction of Asimov is of great significance not only for the readers of literature but
also to the analytical scientists. These fictions contained fertile seeds for scientific
exploration enabling the scientists to get valuable hints which would be of great use for
the betterment of humanity. The impact of technology is the principal issue of his short
stories and novels. Asimov‘s stories depicted the tribulations of the future society by
juxtaposing the negative issues along with the positive things. His visionary warnings are
highlighted in the next chapter.
The fourth chapter ―Visionary Warning‖ has focused on the warning exemplified by
Asimov. His science stories are the paradigm of social science fiction. Asimov stated,
―The social science fiction is the term given to literature which is concerned with the
impact of scientific advance upon human beings‖ (qtd. in Malmgren 263). ―Visionary
Warning‖ displays the humanist in Asimov. Despite being an eager scientist, Asimov is
bent on disclosing the probable features of science. Unlike Wordsworth, who projected
199
only the glorious side of nature in his poetic works, Asimov depicted both the
constructive and destructive sides of science. This most considerate humanist focused his
lingual microscope on the bitter consequences overindulgence of man with machine
would lead to. When humanity depends on machines for everything it would result in
depriving man of his skills, power and even in the eviction of the entire human race.
In the story ―The Feeling of Power‖, Asimov exposed the deterioration in the mental
ability of the future people. They would fail to calculate the simple arithmetic due to their
sole dependence on pocket computer for their calculation. In ―Reason‖ he revealed the
human-machine controversies when the robots are endowed with the absolute rational
thinking ability. In ―Kid Brother‖ he analyzed the issues of over-population and
technology addiction. ―Catch That Rabbit‖ depicted that the technical faults were only
due to human errors and not because of the machines. Through ―True Love‖ and ―Cal‖
Asimov created awareness among the people to think over the upshot if the machines
could function independently. ―Risk‖ proved that, if man failed to give order according to
the power of the Robots then it would endanger that particular function. ―The Fun They
Had‖ had actually displayed the short comings in the future education system. The printed
version of books and human teaching would vanish as that system would be substituted
by the computerized society. The lack of social relationship and class room interaction
and their bitter aftermaths were warned by Asimov. Today the habit of searching and
reading books in the library has started steadily declining.
If robots get human cognition absolutely then it would fight for its own right
analogous to man fighting for his rights. This struggle was depicted in ―The Bicentennial
Man‖. The theory of trans-humanism is scrutinized in this story. In ―. . .That Thou Art
Mindful of Him‖ two robots interpreted the Laws and defined who is human. Colonial
theory was analyzed in the story. Through ―Galley Slave‖ Marxist‘s concern was
200
projected that if people substituted machines for their work then in future they would face
not only unemployment problem but there would be great existential crisis for man as
they would have been mostly replaced by flawless able robots.
During the World War II Asimov worked as a civilian at the Philadelphia Navy Yard's
Naval Air Experimental Station. Asimov worked as a chemist in the military. The Navy
environment helped him to learn how the governments utilized science for the war
purpose. So Asimov warned about the possibilities of the cyber war and cyber attack in
the stories ―Let‘s Get Together‖ and ―Machine That Won the War‖. If the technology,
like disintegrator ray portrayed in the storey ―Robot AL- 76 Goes Astray‖ is successfully
invented then the entire world would be blast losing the total identity of its existence
even.
The willful employment of highly sharp and intelligent machines in personal, political
and war fare affairs prove to be detrimental. Asimov‘s concepts regarding transhumanism, disintegrator ray and artificial intelligence and the probable repercussions
hinted by the writer are both enthralling and shell-shocking. All these warnings of
Asimov have social relevance.
Asimov through his science fiction created a rational knot between science and life.
His rational solution is that of strict adherence to the machine ethics namely the laws of
robotics. The laws of robotics have eradicated the technophobia and also inspired the
technicians to adopt such laws. The findings in the chapter ―Laws of Robotics‖ are how
Asimov‘s rational execution of the laws exemplified the new dimension of science as
well as helped to revise society‘s approach towards the science. The third chapter
―Prophetic Visions‖ has listed out the numerous visions Asimov‘s rational thinking
ability has conceived and revealed. His rational vision has anticipated advancements in
the fields of nanotechnology, computer science, artificial intelligence, space exploration,
201
education system and political affairs, and further revealed how the digital revolution
would take place in these fields. The fourth chapter has explored the inevitable negative
impact of scientific technologies on society. Asimov‘s ultimate warning is that if people
over depend on technology then it would devastate his uniqueness. Men should be
conscious to protect his self-reliance. Machines, though are created by human beings,
have the power to make and mar their own creator. ‗Too much of anything is dangerous‘.
This is the alarm tone that Asimov‘s rational scrutiny and evaluation loudly trumpet.
Asimov, a creative genius par excellence, has framed the laws of robotics which offer
valuable guideline to create harmony between man and machine. His prophetic visions
have undoubtedly sown the potent seeds in the fertile ground of science stimulating the
scientists to explore into innumerable fields. His visionary warnings are certainly
protective guards that would not allow the created object to checkmate his creator.
On the whole the finding of the thesis proves that Asimov is an eye opener of the
society. Through the mode of science fiction, he has struck upon the highly philosophical
note that is people should firmly adhere to the laws of humanics, which insist:
1. A human may not injure another human being or through inaction allow
another human being to come to harm. (Asimov, Robot Visions 460)
2. A human must obey the orders given him by his moral conscience, except
where such orders would conflict with the First Law. (Asimov, Robot Visions 461)
3. A human must protect his own existence, as long as such protection does not
conflict with the First or Second Laws. (Asimov, Robot Visions 462)
These rational revelations prove that technology is never fundamentally excellent or
terrible but it depends purely on the way of usage of technology. It is a well known fact
that technological advancements are basically aimed at the welfare of humanity. But the
human mind with its notorious complex nature can convert a boon into bane. Hence
202
Asimov has obviously forewarned the society to treat the boon namely the science, as it is
and not to turn it a bane. As per the words of Wordsworth:
The world is too much with us; late and soon,
Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;
Little we see in Nature that is ours;
We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon! (Kumar 240)
Analogous to the following instructive words of Thiruvalluvar, ―Who warm them at
the fire draw not too near, nor keep too much aloof/Thus let them act who dwell beneath
of warlike kings the palace-roof‖ (Narayanasamy 202), Asimov also directed the people
to alertly maintain the accurate distance between man and machine. People should not be
oblivious to the gruesome and glorious effect of science and they should be prudent in
their dependence on it. Isaac Asimov has graphically explained the state of the universewhere it had been, where it is now and where it might be in the future. Science and its
invaluable contributions in elevating the life of the noblest creation of nature are
inexplicable. Asimov‘s rational brainstorm has resulted in creating a clear awareness
regarding the power and potency of science, in stimulating the research fervour of the
inquisitive science researchers and also in cautioning the human lot against the imprudent
and excessive employment of science and scientific inventions as that would
inconsiderately delete the chance to exist.
Asimov‘s rational approaches to science and technology which are experimented
through the mode of fiction have resulted in the astounding revelations namely his robotic
laws, prophetic visions and visionary warnings. What is unique about Asimov and his
creations is that his analysis of science and its outcome are aimed at the uplift of
humanity. His genuine concern for humanity, profound passion for science, clear
comprehension of human psyche and his mastery over language have empowered him
203
with a rare blend of scientific and lingual skills. He is as objective as a scientist in
delineating the aftermaths of scientific inventions and as considerate as a humanist in
making the common lot comprehends the vital power of science. Hence the rational
revelations of this scientific –humanist are inestimable assets that have been helping
people universally to upgrade themselves.
While the chapter ―Laws of Robotics‖ depicts the ways and means to convert the
technologies trustworthy, the next chapter ―Prophetic Visions‖ brings to bright focus the
future advancement in the technologies. The fourth chapter ―Visionary Warning‖ reveals
the humanistic trait of Asimov as he has clearly demarcated when and where we should
not utilize the technologies. Asimov‘s zeal for the human beings did not satiate with his
aspiration to amuse them with his mere fictional creations like the laws for the robotics,
or with his prophetic visions to introduce what would happen in the science field but has
attained self contentment only after projecting perfect visionary warnings. He envisaged
the future problems and also suggested the probable and practicable solution. Asimov had
absolute belief in the constructive purpose of science and preached the beneficial aspects
of the science till his last breath. This following quote is fit to explain his rational
contribution to the society.
All of us have to thank Isaac Asimov for where we stand as a nation in regard to
technological innovation. Our educational systems, hospitals, universities, and
homes, just to name a few aspects in life, have all improved in efficiency thanks to
the trend that Asimov promoted of being more readily accepting of machines to
help human endeavors. He was one of modern America‘s early teachers that
promoted technology, but above that he helped to open people‘s minds to more
possibilities than just the narrow minded conservative views that many people were
stuck on at that time. He was a special man who was able to rise above the
204
common opinion and was not afraid to set himself apart in order to fight for what
he felt strongly about. Thanks to courageous people like Isaac Asimov who strive
to achieve their convictions no matter what the social cost, we are forever changed
as a society for the better. (Fox 13)
Asimov‘s works have lofty concepts and copious issues. The researchers can do
further various analytical or scientific studies on Asimov‘s short fiction. Asimov‘s works
can be compared and contrasted with his predecessors, contemporary writers and
successors. Future social demands in his short fiction can be explored. Asimov‘s stories
can be compared with today‘s space programmes. Machine ethics in Asimov‘s short
fiction can be evaluated. Asimov‘s lingual style and narrative technique can be analyzed
and a psycho analytical study of his characters both man and machine in his stories will
also be an appropriate subject for researchers.