These stories explore the possibilities and perils of futures ruled by artificial intelligence
Even before the explosive real-world rise of artificial intelligence, science fiction was already exploring the complexities of near-futures and dystopian worlds where super-intelligent entities serve, co-exist or rule mankind. These works of fiction that explore the relationship between humans and machines have now become classics of the genre. Some present potential benefits like improved quality of life and increased productivity, while others offer possible dangers such as a scenario where humans lose control of their creations. With AI encroaching all aspects of life, these fictional imaginings serve as a lens through which we can wrap our heads around the possibilities and consequences of the rapidly developing technology.
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The Complete Robot by Isaac Asimov
Any rumination about intelligent technological entities should begin with Isaac Asimov’s The Complete Robot. More than an excellent compilation of 31 short stories that detail human-robot relationships in a technologically superior future world, the tome also explores Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics. Introduced in 1942, the ‘laws’ are a set of rules which governed the behaviour of robots in Asimov's stories: robots should not injure humans; robots must obey humans (without conflicting the first law); and robots must protect their existence (without conflicting the previous). The Three Laws of Robotics have influenced thinking around the ethics of artificial intelligence over the decades, and resound even more now as people grapple with the pitfalls and possibilities of AI.