The Laws of Robotics

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 10867

"I would attempt to restrain you while doing you no harm, until a human officer arrives to take you into custody," he replied reasonably. "That is what I have been ordered to do."

"And do you always obey orders?" she asked.

He actually looked surprised at that. "Of course," he said. "It is the Second Law of Robotics: A robot must obey orders given it by a human being, except where such obedience would contradict the First Law."

Very interesting, though Stacy. Out loud, she said "OK, then, I order you to let me go!"

He gave her a smile that looked almost sad. "I am sorry," he replied. "But my previous orders override any orders given to me by apprehended criminals."

Stacy bridled at the word "criminal," but chose not to respond to it. Instead, she said "So, what's this First Law, then?"

"The First Law of Robotics: A robot may not injure a human being, nor through inaction allow a human to come to harm."

"I see," said Stacy slowly. Wheels were turning in her head.

  1. "Well you're going to have to hurt me to keep me here," she said, "because I won't stay willingly. In fact, I promise I'll do myself an injury if you don't back away right now!"
  2. "My god!" she screamed. "Look over there! I think somebody's being murdered!"
  3. But before she could put any ideas into action, the human cops had showed up.
  4. But before she could put any ideas into action, the Doctor suddenly appeared.

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ragan (Who can address JH's question in more detail, but not in the signature space. Drop me an e-mail if you wanna discuss the Laws of Robotics. :))

7/22/2000 9:17:30 PM

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