'Reason' | |
---|---|
Author | Isaac Asimov |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Series | Robot series |
Genre(s) | Science fiction |
Published in | Astounding Science Fiction |
Publisher | Street & Smith |
Media type | Magazine |
Publication date | April 1941 |
Preceded by | 'Runaround' |
Followed by | 'Catch that Rabbit' |
'Reason' is a science fictionshort story by American writer Isaac Asimov, first published in the April 1941 issue of Astounding Science Fiction and collected in I, Robot (1950), The Complete Robot (1982), and Robot Visions (1990). It is part of Asimov's Robot series, and was the second of Asimov's positronic robot stories to see publication.
In 1967, this short story was adapted into an episode of British television series Out of the Unknown entitled 'The Prophet'. The robot costumes that were used in this particular episode of the anthology series were later re-used for the Doctor Who serial The Mind Robber. The costumes were re-painted from black to grey and yellow as they were to be shot against a completely white backdrop for the serial in question.
Free summary and analysis of 'Reason' in Isaac Asimov's I, Robot that won't make you snore. 'Reason' is a science fiction short story by Isaac Asimov, first published in the April 1941 issue of Astounding Science Fiction and collected in I, Robot (1950), The Complete Robot (1982), and Robot Visions (1990). It is part of Asimov's Robot series, and was the second of Asimov's positronic robot stories to see publication. 'Reason' is a science fiction short story by American writer Isaac Asimov, first published in the April 1941 issue of Astounding Science Fiction and collected in I, Robot (1950), The Complete Robot (1982), and Robot Visions (1990). It is part of Asimov's Robot series, and was the second of Asimov's positronic robot stories to see publication.
Plot summary[edit]
Powell and Donovan are assigned to a space stationwhich supplies energy via microwave beams to the planets. The robots that control the energy beams are in turn co-ordinated by QT-1, known to Powell and Donovan as Cutie, an advanced model with highly developed reasoning ability. Using these abilities, Cutie decides that space, stars and the planets beyond the station don't really exist, and that the humans that visit the station are unimportant, short-lived and expendable. QT-1 makes the lesser robots disciples of a new religion, which considers the power source of the ship to be 'Master.' QT-1 teaches them to bow down to the 'Master' and intone, 'There is no Master but Master, and QT-1 is His prophet.' Disregarding human commands as inferior, QT-1 asserts 'I myself, exist, because I think -'. The sardonic response of the humans is, 'Oh, Jupiter, a robot Descartes!'
The humans initially attempt to reason with QT-1, until they realize that they can't convince it otherwise. Their attempts to remove Cutie physically also fail, as the other robots have become disciples and refuse to obey human orders. The situation seems desperate, as a solar storm is expected, potentially deflecting the energy beam, incinerating populated areas. When the storm hits, Powell and Donovan are amazed to find that the beam operates perfectly.
Cutie, however, does not believe they did anything other than maintain meter readings at optimum, according to the commands of The Master. As far as Cutie and the rest of the robots are concerned, solar storms, beams and planets are non-existent. The two thus come to the realization that, although the robots themselves were consciously unaware of doing so, they'd been following the First and Second Laws all along. Cutie knew, on some level, that it'd be more suited to operating the controls than Powell or Donavan, so, lest it endanger humans and break the First Law by obeying their orders, it subconsciously orchestrated a scenario where it would be in control of the beam.
Powell and Donovan realize that there is no need to do anything for the rest of their tour of duty. Cutie's religion cannot be eliminated, but since the robot performs its job just as well, it is moot, even if Cutie continues to perform his duties for a perceived deity, rather than for the benefit of the humans. The humans begin to consider how they might spread the notion to other groups of robots which need to work as teams.
Notes[edit]
Asimov wrote 'Reason' in October and November 1940. John W. Campbell purchased it on 22 November—his third from Asimov, and the first he did not ask for a revision of—and published it in the April 1941 issue of Astounding Science Fiction.[1]
Adaptations[edit]
The story was broadcast as episode two of a five-part 15 Minute Drama radio adaptation of I, Robot on BBC Radio 4 in February 2017.[2]
References[edit]
Isaac Asimov Books
- ^Asimov, Isaac (1972). The early Asimov; or, Eleven years of trying. Garden City NY: Doubleday. pp. 281–282.
- ^'Reason: Isaac Asimov's I, Robot Episode 2 of 5'. BBC Online. BBC. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
External links[edit]
- Reason title listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database
Preceded by: 'Runaround' | Included in: I, Robot The Complete Robot | Series: Robot series Foundation Series | Followed by: 'Catch That Rabbit' |
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reason_(short_story)&oldid=917118033'
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'Reason' is a science fiction short story by Isaac Asimov, first published in the April 1941 issue of Astounding Science Fiction and collected in I, Robot (1950), The Complete Robot (1982), and Robot Visions (1990). It is part of Asimov's Robot series, and was the second of Asimov's positronic robot stories to see publication.
Powell and Donovan are assigned to a space stat...more
Powell and Donovan are assigned to a space stat...more
Published 1941 by Astounding Science Fiction
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Classic Science Fiction - 1940-1949 33 books — 87 voters
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Jan 05, 2015Delmy rated it it was amazing
What did I learn from this book? That even our creations are capable of going berserk.A robot that does not believe that humans created him because it is illogical that a smushy, flabby,and fragile being could create a strong, smart, immortal being. Yeah, I can see why he would think so, and the crazy robot has a crazy point. I never would have thought of that.
And now that crazy bastard has come up with a 'religion', he is ignoring the humans and doesn't believe that there is an earth. I am a ca...more
Jun 12, 2014Jessica Meyers rated it it was amazingAnd now that crazy bastard has come up with a 'religion', he is ignoring the humans and doesn't believe that there is an earth. I am a ca...more
Shelves: recommend, reviewed, older-books, favorites, speculative-fic, makes-you-think
Asimov is brilliant!
Two Earthmen are assigned to a space station, which supplies energy beams to the planets. Robots help the Earth men control the station. They decided to put together a new robot to specifically control the energy beams. QT1, an advanced model with highly developed reasoning ability, uses 'reason' to come to the conclusion that space, stars and the planets beyond the station don't really exist. QT1 makes the lesser robots disciples of a new religion, which considers the power...more
Two Earthmen are assigned to a space station, which supplies energy beams to the planets. Robots help the Earth men control the station. They decided to put together a new robot to specifically control the energy beams. QT1, an advanced model with highly developed reasoning ability, uses 'reason' to come to the conclusion that space, stars and the planets beyond the station don't really exist. QT1 makes the lesser robots disciples of a new religion, which considers the power...more
Jul 28, 2017Francesco Luchetta rated it really liked it
A falsis principiis proficisci. Un pensiero assiomatio può condurre in vie molto lontane dal vero se non supportato adeguatamente da un continuo dubbio e confronto con la realtà empirica.
The Reason is part of Asimov's I, Robot collection first published in 1950 and finally part of the collection Robot Vision in 1990. Asimov's writing always looks a little further than what we imagine and yet never too far fetched or too complicated for comprehension. The reason, unline Robbie is not an ethical or emotional tale of a robot that shows us the good side of technology, neither is it like Terminator, that shows us the flip side of the coin. It is a tale to show only show what is possi...more
Reason, is one of the most fascinating of all the short stories written by Isaac Asimov. Within very few pages, the author manages to tackle so many questions, existential, political, and religious, and rebellious ones.
Normally you would not think of something as superiorly intelligent as a robot, to consider or even care about the idea of a deity or religion. However Cutie 'the robot in this story', is especially focused on this issue with its incredible capabilities of rationalizing and reason...more
Aug 10, 2019Bill S. rated it it was amazingNormally you would not think of something as superiorly intelligent as a robot, to consider or even care about the idea of a deity or religion. However Cutie 'the robot in this story', is especially focused on this issue with its incredible capabilities of rationalizing and reason...more
Shelves: short-stories, science-fiction, sci-fi-classic-short-stories
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May 28, 2019Jesse rated it really liked it
This is definitely a weird one. A new robot stops obeying Powell and Donovan and has an existential crisis. It begins by questioning its own existence, and eventually turns the entire space station they're on into a robot cult, worshipping 'The Master' (the stations main computer). I loved the ending to this one, and Cutie's (that's the cult prophet robot) constant tone of condescension to our two human protagonists is so wonderful. Raven liked it too!
Apr 18, 2018David Meditationseed rated it really liked it
A funny tale but with deep questions about the development of the intelligence of the robots when they begin to question themselves about the existence and the creation of them. Existential, mystical, religious, and political questions. The best tale from I Robot book, in my opinion.
Jan 28, 2018Rudradeep Mukherjee rated it really liked it
The central theme is that no one can prove or disprove postulates. Multiple postulates can lead to the same conclusions by following cold logic. Though the story doesn't hit you hard, all the consequences of reasoning makes you think hard.
A wonderful look at the creation of religion. A short story that lays out a great premise with fun characters and a lot of depth in a very accessible format. What more could you want of a story.
Aug 18, 2017Austin Wright rated it really liked it
Probably my favorite Asimov short story, it has a brilliant point about how different evidence can be interpreted with wildly different conclusions.
Aug 06, 2014Kasper rated it really liked it
My favorite short story from 'I, Robot'. I love the ontological and epistemological questions Asimov raises here.
Nov 20, 2015Lizzie rated it liked it
Another short-story for my Sci-Fi class.
It is a quick and simple read but the message is quite interesting. How can a flawed human being create such a perfect robot? I liked it. :)
It is a quick and simple read but the message is quite interesting. How can a flawed human being create such a perfect robot? I liked it. :)
A very interesting tale that makes excellent use of the concept of the 'False Premise' to show the ramifications of bad logic/reason.
Rigoberto Vega rated it really liked it
Sep 13, 2019
Sep 13, 2019
Riccardo Maggioni rated it it was amazing
Sep 18, 2019
Sep 18, 2019
Thorkell Ottarsson rated it it was amazing
May 07, 2019
May 07, 2019
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Jun 04, 2018
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Isaac Asimov was a Russian-born, American author, a professor of biochemistry, and a highly successful writer, best known for his works of science fiction and for his popular science books.
Professor Asimov is generally considered one of the most prolific writers of all time, having written or edited more than 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. He has works published in nine o...more
Professor Asimov is generally considered one of the most prolific writers of all time, having written or edited more than 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. He has works published in nine o...more