Science Fiction Writers & Morality pt #2. Dr. Asimov

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The Yosemite Bear
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Science Fiction Writers & Morality pt #2. Dr. Asimov

Post by The Yosemite Bear »

Starting with the Laws of Robotics, the subject of Sentienace, Sapience, and morality of I Robot, Foundation and other books.
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SeebianWurm
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Post by SeebianWurm »

Raise an issue. I have nothing off the top of my head.
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Alferd Packer
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Post by Alferd Packer »

Hmm...how about this: Should the Laws of Robotics be applied to real life robots, if they ever are constructed?
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance--that principle is contempt prior to investigation." -Herbert Spencer

"Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." - Schiller, Die Jungfrau von Orleans, III vi.
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Post by SeebianWurm »

Depends on the level of sentience. I think the First Law should definitely be in all robots that are advanced enough to follow it -

"A robot shall not harm a human being, or through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm"

Probably paraphrased that a little. But some modification might be required...early build 3L robots would probably find it very very easy to freeze over the First Law. Some safeguards could be built in to counter lose-lose situations, like those mentioned in later works: measure of the quantity of harm done, and take the lesser evil. If they are(unlikely) equally harmful, randomize it.
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