Rules for Robots

Rules for Robots

Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) created the three rules of robotics. Before we begin, I have several background comments.

  • Isaac Asimov first used the word robotics.
  • He wrote I, Robot, part of what is known as the Robot Series of fictional short stories.
  • Since he was a writer of fiction, the rules of robotics are seen as guides to keep humanity safe with programmed ‘helpers’ – almost friends.
  • It is generally accepted that these rules are not extremely valuable, considering the advancements made in the field, but they are worth considering when developing AI and other technologies.

It might not be a waste of my time to do more research as it is a fascinating topic. The search results hold an extremely wide variety of opinions and articles written about the past, present, and future of technology. But for today, these are Isaac’s 1950 robotic laws.

  1. First Law: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
  2. Second Law: A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
  3. Third Law: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

I will leave it to you to ponder these rules and to decide how they relate to the various discussions available to us today. I am only going to mention this one thought because well, it just won’t leave me alone.

My nagging interloper started with that first law:

“A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.”

  • I wonder why it is that humans have never been successful in applying this law to ourselves.
  • I wonder why it is that even during our Spirit of Christmas celebrations, we often engage in hurtful behavior toward others.
  • I wonder why it is that peace between neighbors, let alone nations, seems impossible.
  • And I wonder how that scripture phrase “peace that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) might come to pass if we can’t successfully negotiate interpersonal relationships.

Maybe that is exactly the point. On our own, we can’t. It will take God’s love and grace.

But, on our own, might we at least try?

Come, Jesus, come.