Asimov and the Future of Humankind - Essay Example

Asimov and the Future of Humankind in a World Driven by Complex Technologies Introduction Isaac Asimov, an American author, who wrote many popular science fiction books as well as non-fiction books, brought many scientific concepts to the common man in a simple manner. Asimov has been particularly remembered for his approach to bring together science and technology and human ethics in his works. From the traditional viewpoint, science and human morality has always been seen in conflict with each other, however, in Asimov’s works, conflict according to him, could be bridged through the introduction of moral and ethical codes of conduct in a technologically advanced world. Thus, in this paper the concerns shown by Asimov for the future of humankind in a world driven by complex technologies are discussed in detail. It typically focuses on the threat to human existence due to development in science and technology and how it is essential to emphasize on creating moral and ethical responsibility in the world of advanced technology. Thus, in this paper, the need for moral and ethical code in the technologically driven world would be explored in detail. Furthermore, it explores how Asimov’s work on humanistic viewpoints towards technological advancements could be applied even in the contemporary world order, especially for creating a harmonious coexistence between science and human values and for developing a world code of conduct and order that would look for the common good of the entire humankind rather than dividing people in terms of boundaries, economic status, and races. Asimov and Humanism In the twentieth century, humanism was not able to maintain the core reason of commitment towards the disciplined inquiry, which was the trademark in the yesteryears. In some cases, the worst enemies of science are the experts of the subjects who are also termed as ‘humanities’. Asimov was able to remind that humanities are traditionally the ones, who represent secular learning. This can be an accumulated product of the intelligence in humans. Some of the scholars in humanities have not noticed this, ever since Renaissance. Science has been a significant aspect of the universal culture, which may mean people are no longer claiming to be humanists and are ignorant of science, and in doing so, they deliberate themselves to isolation from the concerns of humanity. In a similar way, no one would be able to claim that he or she is to become humanist in late twentieth century while they can refuse to acknowledge the primary reason and evidence which can be towards the search of knowledge. Asimov's source for optimism was that there was always a new generation which would always come along. According to Brooks (2002), Asimov states that every child has a new brain, which is a possible field that can have rational thoughts if fixed from childhood. Therefore, presenting a view with reason, and not out of hope, can help to educate as well as train them to become a fertile mind. Some of the compelling arguments which were made in scientific humanism have been brought forward by Asimov's book Life and Time. He started the book with Alexander Pope's couplet and then analyzed it with the scientific knowledge. At the beginning, he identified some of the nature of antithesis which was posed by Pope as being within the matter of laws of nature and then assumed to be bound by no laws at all. Pope’s presentation of humanity has two choices scientific inquiry that lead to knowledge expansion or endless speculation that lead nowhere, according to Thomsen (1982). Asimov also explained that the study between science and humanity was limitless, for a simple reason as our species was not available in a vacuum. Each life affects or can be affected from it; all the environmental condition on the Earth operates so that it could shape us. It can be altered permanently by our activities as well. Mankind or humankind is subject to the laws of Universe. It affects the smallest atom and the distant quasar and it can even extend incase the study is taken to the infinitely small or infinitely large or any distant and even infinitely abstract for describing these laws. With that infinities can be man’s direct as well as selfish concern. Furthermore, Asimov stated that our species is the unique part of the Universe. Human brain has been the result of nearly fifteen billion years of evolution, and we can be the only portion in its vast process which has sufficient complexity for being aware about our positioning and context in space (Anderson 2008) . As well, in case we are not able to exist without the Universe, neither will it allow us to exist without a Universe, according to Anderson (2008). Asimov also believed that we should be able to appreciate the significance and distinctiveness of the human species in the larger scheme of things. This would help us in understanding the evolution which has occurred in the past. Any other species other than this has not been so powerful and creative. The instrument of scientific inquiry and the process with the capacity for illuminating the pulse of the Universe from the beginning to the end of time is being evaluated in Asimov’s works. In case we are able to rid ourselves from the crippling of the Bronze-age imperatives we would be able to focus on the same instrument in the nature as it is in the humankind, according to McLaren (2003). It can also be stated that the views propagated by Asimov are even relevant in today’s world as the contemporary world is driven by war and conflicts, which is resulting into creating advanced technologies aimed at causing massive destruction. For instance, nowadays some countries are focusing at amassing weapons of mass destruction and developing nuclear war heads to be ahead of each other and creating deterrence. However, such a move also means creating chaos and fear, which results in more conflicts rather than resolving the issue in an amicable manner. The same chaos and fear could be seen in Asimov’s works where the robots that were created for the benefit of the humankind turn around and threaten to destroy the creators itself. In a similar manner, the war heads that are being created by these countries also threaten to destroy the creators as well due to safety laxity or natural disasters, as was witnessed in cases of some countries. Asimov and the Ethical Consideration Asimov’s works throw light on the future opportunities and dangers that might occur by analyzing the history of human kind driven forward by technological advancements, which also resulted in constant wars. According to Asimov, due to increase in organizational complications and intellectual difficulties, human kind is being faced with three major choices, i.e. of endurance, abandon, or advancement. He also states that society does not voluntarily give up on improving its quality of life that could be achieved through advancements in technology. With regards to endurance, Asimov states that human beings in this stage are seen as helpless victims, and focus on various instances such as the nomadic culture, wherein the nomads have no other choice but to view the technological advancements with certain helplessness and witness their own culture depleting in the face of science and technology. Therefore, Asimov presents his views that in order to survive, the society needs to advance and adopt the various technological advancements while conserving human culture and values, as cited by Anderson (2008). Asimov, according to Anderson and Anderson (2007), focuses on creating a world government which would unify human kind and create a consolidated world order through the use of technological innovations. Such a concept is still valid and contemporary as it is the boundaries and divisions through countries that are creating war and tensions between people. With a world government, the common good of the human kind could be achieved without the biases towards a single country, race or economic status. Furthermore, the idea of Asimov to project annihilation of human beings due to advancement in technology emphasizes the need to create a world government that would focus more on the collective good of human beings rather than on individual countries and races. The human social interdependence on each other is being projected in an intrinsic manner in most of the works of Asimov, through the projected relationship between science and human values. However, according to Anderson and Anderson (2007), Asimov warns towards the fact that technological advancements should not be abandoned as well because without advancements in science and technology, the society cannot grow. Therefore, mankind needs to invest into technological advancement; however, it should also be careful about the moralistic implications of such advancements by creating certain codes of conduct as well. Science has no horizon, and technological developments may create various comforts and luxuries for the humankind. Therefore, in order to reap in the benefits of these technological advancements, it is also necessary for the human beings to realize their moral and ethical codes of conduct and work towards creating a holistic society where science and ethics could co-exist without any conflicts (Anderson and Anderson). I, Robot and Three Laws of Robotics Asimov, who has authored more than five hundred books in a varied genres and fields, is mostly known for his renowned science fiction writing and for his aptitude to bring science to the common reader. For instance, in his short stories collection, I, Robot, Asimov links various themes and character describing a future society wherein the robots and human beings could coexist. According to the critics, I, Robot, is being considered as an important work for developing realistic science fiction literature, which elaborates on the ‘Three Laws of Robotics’ created by Asimov. Thomsen (1982) considers these laws to be important moral and ethical code for such a futuristic society. The short stories collection is also important from the point of view of benefits of technology, which is considered to be a unique position in the history of fantastic literature and science fiction, as in the traditional world order science, and technology is considered to be a threat to the existence of human kind. The collection of short stories also reflects the concern of Asimov related to the future of the humankind in the complicated world of technological advancement. Through the introduction of ‘The Three Laws of Robotics’, Asimov puts emphasis on the need to create moral and ethical responsibility in a world driven by advanced science and technological innovations. However, he also states that technology also creates profound benefit for the human kind as being shown through various robot characters in Runaround, Robbie, and The Evitable Conflict, where the robots are shown as a nursemaid, mining and exploration expert and efficient robots who could run the political, economic and social systems in the world (Anderson 2008). Nonetheless, as Anderson (1995) states, Asimov cautions against the fact that technology should not be let out of control. For instance, in the story ‘Liar’, Asimov sketches a robot Herbie which starts to think and act in an independent manner, which finally creates several issues. According to Anderson (2008), some of the other themes that are also shown through the short stories collection include the need to preserve human independence in an environment controlled through technology as portrayed through the characterization of various robots. I, Robot was received in a positive manner by most of the critics with most applauding the ‘Three Laws of Robotics’ promoted by Asimov, stating that the stories actually provide moralistic viewpoints and realism. Many also praise Asimov’s talent of connecting together the nine stories and providing it a novelistic twist. The important work of I, Robot also projects towards the modern day society, wherein people are getting more and more dependent on technology for their daily works and how this dependence may lead to serious issues in the future. As long as we are in control of technology, we may lead a fulfilling life; however, problems occur if we let technology control us, as shown in most of the stories in I, Robot. Therefore, the contemporary society should take note of this fact and try and create technology that would benefit the humankind rather than destroying the world order. Three Laws of Futurics By employing the self-coined phrase, Asimov focuses on the Three Laws of Futurics which, I believe, has always guided him for predicting the future. The advice was to recognize what can happen and would likely happen in the future. To seriously look at the obvious which is being done by few people; considering logical consequences of the practices being done currently? It has been seen that science fiction has been an excellent vehicle for understanding this according to his opinion. This allows the writers for presenting long-term effects on the human society and the life on earth if one follows the current trends. Asimov hopes that someone would be able to sit up and make note of this someday. He also thought that a good place to begin was amongst the young readers. Although, this implies to the good science fiction and not towards fantasy which threatens or overwhelm the environment today. Scientific creativity and anthropomorphism In 2008, Wallach states that Asimov was critical of the drug-taking and scientific illiteracy among the people who are writers of science-fiction. As person who did not take even alcohol in his lifetime, he considered that taking drugs and alcohol would not add but diminishe creativity. In Asimov's view, another important function of good science fiction is the development of a general scientific orientation in committed readers. It can provide the background of reliable information and view of future possibilities needed to fuel the intuition and fire the imagination -- both conducive to scientific creativity. It can also arm readers with a healthy skepticism concerning unsubstantiated propositions, even though they may enjoy the pursuit of these in a fictional context (Gunkel). Additionally, some of the underlying facts about Asimov's writings have been thorough include naturalism. It is noteworthy that in doing what he was doing, it was not only a mystical quest for him but was he was also striving for humanity. According to him, Universe would have a meaning as it has incredible details which can be sensed, analyzed and also interpreted by our intelligence. There was no use for being mystic anywhere and can be plain made by referring to Martin Gardner, who was considered to be rational and was surrounded by science wonder. He was always able to distinguish these wonders away from mysticism (McCauley). Gunkel (2007) highlights that Asimov has also discussed the tenacity of the anthropic principle in the human culture. He stated that the notion that universe was formed for being a help for the human being according to the design of an observer who is omnipotent. In a popular revival, it takes the form of an argument that states that as Earth was a place which was conducive for living, such unique conditions should have been there by design than being mere accident. In his response, Asimov stated about a scenario, there can be indefinitely large number of universes that exist; each has different sets of law for nature. But in one of them, the laws of nature allow life to exist. That could be universe, where we reside now and evolution could have happened in it. We are able to find our universe perfect as it could have been the place where could exist (Gunkel). Additionally, according to McCauley (2007), Asimov states that the anthropomorphism, which was behind the strong anthropic principle, has been the remnant of geocentrism which dominated the civilized world and thoughts since the time of Ptolemy to Galileo and Copernicus. As of today, he said that most people are anthropocentric, geocentric, egocentric and ethnocentric (McCauley). As far as intellect is concerned, they may be better but emotionally the old immature self-absorption as well as tribalism has been the ultimate driver. One of the other world religions which is leaned towards myths on the authority on being high or even cater to the primitive emotions as well as the fantasies has been able to feed on them for a long time. With that, Asimov gave a warning that concerned the need of being able to focus on the present world (Wallach 2008). He states that in the age when the Earth has been sturdy and indifferent to any kind of damage and that mankind which is in small numbers and is feeble with less power can only take refuge in the security which is driven by fantasy. This makes him psychologically comfortable and he thinks that only little harm would occur to him. At present, these fantasies can be responsible to kill us since man alone has been responsible for destroying the world. On the other hand, he alone can save it as well (Wallach). Conclusion The critical analysis of Asimov’s work reveals that the writer has been regarded as a pioneer in the field of combining technological and scientific advancements with human emotions by most literary critics. Anderson (2008) for instance discusses in detail Asimov’s theory regarding the society’s need to adopt various technological advancements while conserving human culture and values. While Anderson and Anderson (2007) focused on the concept of world government propagated by Asimov, which would help in unifying human beings and creating a consolidated world order through the use of technological innovations. Further, critics also consider Asimov’s I, Robot as an important work, especially due to the presentation of the Three Laws of Robotics’, which according to Thomsen (1982) are important moral and ethical laws for such a futuristic society. The paper elucidates and discusses some of the concerns brought forward by Isaac Asimov with regards to the future of humankind in the world that is driven by complex technologies. It also focuses typically on the threat that might occur towards the human existence because of the development of technology and science and the essential place for emphasizing by creating ethical and moral responsibility of the world in case of advanced technology evolution. Therefore, the paper also provides details around the need for being morally and ethically right in the era that would be driven by technology than humanity. Also, the paper explores how Asimov’s work on the humanistic viewpoints which is towards the technological advancements can be applied in the contemporary world, which a special mention for creating harmonious coexistence with human values and science and also developing the government which would look for these common good for the entire humankind than dividing people with regards to economic status, boundaries, or races. At the early stage, in his works around science-fiction that featured human-like robots, Asimov was able to provide built-in precautions that need to be programmed in all the computer systems, once they are approaching the level of complexity which can be near the human brain. He termed it as Three Laws of Robotics. They are now being operated as the essential guiding principles of science fiction. According to his conviction, when it is time these rules may be necessarily applied in the advanced computerization in the world which is real. Some of them being; a robot should not injure a human being, and not through its inaction allow the human being to harm them as well. A robot should obey the orders given by the human being except where this order stands in conflict to the first law. These robots should protect their existence as long as these protections do not conflict first as well as the second laws. According to Asimov's view, there is nothing which can prevent the eventual development of the computers with infused intelligence to make them as efficient as a human but with a strength falling within adifferent area of functioning. It cannot be a matter of where human intelligence can be replaced, but it could only be a complement. He added that the advance in the evolution of the computerized intelligence can only come when we are able to design a computer –a capable computer which can replace itself and not exactly but in the direction of series which is diverging. It is termed to be prerequisite for a computer which can formulate its own program for designing another computer which can be a little more complex than the one itself. Reference Anderson, Michael and Anderson, Susan Leigh. "The Status of Machine Ethics: A Report from the AAAI Symposium". Minds and Machines 17.1 (2007): 1-10. Anderson, Susan "Being Morally Responsible for an Action Versus Acting Responsibly or Irresponsibly." J Philos Res XX (1995):451–462. Anderson, Susan L. "Asimov’s “Three Laws of Robotics” and Machine Metaethics." AI & Society 22.4 (2008): 477-493. Brooks, Rodney. Flesh and Machines: How Robots Will Change Us. New York: Pantheon, 2002. Gunkel, David J. "Thinking Otherwise: Ethics, Technology and Other Subjects". Ethics and Information Technology 9.3 (2007): 165-177. McCauley, Lee. "AI Armageddon and the Three Laws of Robotics". Ethics and Information Technology 9.2 (2007): 153-164. McLaren, Bruce M. "Extensionally Defining Principles and Cases in Ethics: An AI model." Artif Intell 150 (2003):145–181. Thomsen, Christian W. “Robot Ethics and Robot Parody: Remarks on Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot and Some Critical Essays and Short Stories by Stanislaw Lem.” In The Mechanical God: Machines in Science Fiction, ed. Thomas P. Dunn and Richard D. Erlich. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood 1982: 19-26. Wallach, Wendell. "Implementing Moral Decision Making Faculties in Computers and Robots". AI & Society 22.4 (2008): 463-475. Read More