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Reason
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"Reason" is a science fiction short story by Isaac Asimov, first published in the April 1941 issue of Astounding Science Fiction and collected in I, Robot (1950), The Complete Robot (1982), and Robot Visions (1990). It is part of Asimov's Robot series, and was the second of Asimov's positronic robot stories to see publication.
Powell and Donovan are assigned to a space stat ...more
Powell and Donovan are assigned to a space stat ...more
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Something about this story terrifies me. The idea that an AI could essentially create its own experience based reality limited to only what it knows to be true and thus creates its own faith completely separate from my human experience is just terrifying.
What did I learn from this book? That even our creations are capable of going berserk.A robot that does not believe that humans created him because it is illogical that a smushy, flabby,and fragile being could create a strong, smart, immortal being. Yeah, I can see why he would think so, and the crazy robot has a crazy point. I never would have thought of that.
And now that crazy bastard has come up with a "religion", he is ignoring the humans and doesn't believe that there is an earth. I am a ca ...more
And now that crazy bastard has come up with a "religion", he is ignoring the humans and doesn't believe that there is an earth. I am a ca ...more
Asimov is brilliant!
Two Earthmen are assigned to a space station, which supplies energy beams to the planets. Robots help the Earth men control the station. They decided to put together a new robot to specifically control the energy beams. QT1, an advanced model with highly developed reasoning ability, uses "reason" to come to the conclusion that space, stars and the planets beyond the station don't really exist. QT1 makes the lesser robots disciples of a new religion, which considers the power ...more
Two Earthmen are assigned to a space station, which supplies energy beams to the planets. Robots help the Earth men control the station. They decided to put together a new robot to specifically control the energy beams. QT1, an advanced model with highly developed reasoning ability, uses "reason" to come to the conclusion that space, stars and the planets beyond the station don't really exist. QT1 makes the lesser robots disciples of a new religion, which considers the power ...more
A falsis principiis proficisci. Un pensiero assiomatio può condurre in vie molto lontane dal vero se non supportato adeguatamente da un continuo dubbio e confronto con la realtà empirica.
The Reason is part of Asimov's I, Robot collection first published in 1950 and finally part of the collection Robot Vision in 1990. Asimov's writing always looks a little further than what we imagine and yet never too far fetched or too complicated for comprehension. The reason, unline Robbie is not an ethical or emotional tale of a robot that shows us the good side of technology, neither is it like Terminator, that shows us the flip side of the coin. It is a tale to show only show what is possi
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Reason, is one of the most fascinating of all the short stories written by Isaac Asimov. Within very few pages, the author manages to tackle so many questions, existential, political, and religious, and rebellious ones.
Normally you would not think of something as superiorly intelligent as a robot, to consider or even care about the idea of a deity or religion. However Cutie "the robot in this story", is especially focused on this issue with its incredible capabilities of rationalizing and reason ...more
Normally you would not think of something as superiorly intelligent as a robot, to consider or even care about the idea of a deity or religion. However Cutie "the robot in this story", is especially focused on this issue with its incredible capabilities of rationalizing and reason ...more
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While researching about space-based solar power technologies I stumbled upon this short story in the I, Robot series of Mr. Asimov, a sci-fi genius who has inspired figures like Elon Musk, I must say it gives you a sense of faith in our logical rooted scientific society. Sometimes logic or reason is not enough, sometimes you have to take a leap of faith in order to accomplice something. Here, a robot teaches us the meaning of faith keeping aside the reasoning which is quite strange as one does e
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This is definitely a weird one. A new robot stops obeying Powell and Donovan and has an existential crisis. It begins by questioning its own existence, and eventually turns the entire space station they're on into a robot cult, worshipping "The Master" (the stations main computer). I loved the ending to this one, and Cutie's (that's the cult prophet robot) constant tone of condescension to our two human protagonists is so wonderful. Raven liked it too!
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A funny tale but with deep questions about the development of the intelligence of the robots when they begin to question themselves about the existence and the creation of them. Existential, mystical, religious, and political questions. The best tale from I Robot book, in my opinion.
The central theme is that no one can prove or disprove postulates. Multiple postulates can lead to the same conclusions by following cold logic. Though the story doesn't hit you hard, all the consequences of reasoning makes you think hard.
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Would it be cute if the Master were to malfunction?
A wonderful look at the creation of religion. A short story that lays out a great premise with fun characters and a lot of depth in a very accessible format. What more could you want of a story.
Part of "I, Robot".
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Probably my favorite Asimov short story, it has a brilliant point about how different evidence can be interpreted with wildly different conclusions.
My favorite short story from 'I, Robot'. I love the ontological and epistemological questions Asimov raises here.
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Another short-story for my Sci-Fi class.
It is a quick and simple read but the message is quite interesting. How can a flawed human being create such a perfect robot? I liked it. :)
It is a quick and simple read but the message is quite interesting. How can a flawed human being create such a perfect robot? I liked it. :)
A very interesting tale that makes excellent use of the concept of the "False Premise" to show the ramifications of bad logic/reason.
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Isaac Asimov was a Russian-born, American author, a professor of biochemistry, and a highly successful writer, best known for his works of science fiction and for his popular science books.
Professor Asimov is generally considered one of the most prolific writers of all time, having written or edited more than 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. He has works published in nine o ...more
Professor Asimov is generally considered one of the most prolific writers of all time, having written or edited more than 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. He has works published in nine o ...more
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