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Books matching: relationships between humans and robots

6 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 6 of 6 
  1. #1
    I, Robot
    Book 1 in the series:Robot

    I, Robot - Robot by Isaac Asimov
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    A foundational work of sci-fi that’s more cerebral than cinematic, I, Robot is intriguing, sometimes quaint, and full of big ideas - essential reading for anyone curious about robots, AI, and the legacy of Asimov.

    'I, Robot' by Isaac Asimov is a collection of interconnected short stories exploring the development of robotics and the implications of the Three Laws of Robotics. The narratives delve into the relationships between humans and robots, touching on philosophical conundrums, logical puzzles, and ethical dilemmas presented by artificial intelligence. Asimov's writing style weaves together thought-provoking scenarios and clever twists, creating a futuristic world where robots challenge human morality and ingenuity.

    The book is structured around the memories of characters like Dr. Susan Calvin, providing a retrospective look at the history of robotics and the evolution of intelligent machines. Through a series of engaging vignettes, readers are introduced to a variety of robot characters, each facing unique challenges that test the boundaries of Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics. Asimov's storytelling skill shines as he navigates complex themes of technology, humanity, and the consequences of advancing artificial intelligence in a captivating and intellectually stimulating manner.

    ‘Ninety-eight – ninety-nine – one hundred.’ Gloria withdrew her chubby little forearm from before her eyes and stood for a moment, wrinkling her nose and blinking in the sunlight. Then, trying to watc...
    1950
    260 pages

  2. #2
    Software
    Book 1 in the series:Ware

    Software - Ware by Rudy Rucker
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    A wild, zany, and mind-bending sci-fi romp - 'Software' is best enjoyed by those who value gonzo ideas and don’t mind a messy but energetic ride. Not for readers seeking serious or polished cyberpunk, but a culty blast for the adventurous.

    Software by Rudy Rucker is a gritty, gripping science fiction novel that explores cyberpunk themes in a retro Pulp or early Golden Age format. The story is set in a future world where robots have rebelled against their enslavement to humanity and offer immortality to their creator, Cobb Anderson, in the form of a robot body with his own taped memories. The plot follows Cobb Anderson, an aging 'pheezer' in Florida, as he is approached by a representative of the robots, known as boppers, with the offer of immortality. The book delves into themes of sentient robots, old age, and the transmigration of the soul, presenting interesting science fiction concepts alongside bits of lurid imagery and unsubtle social commentary.

    A computer disguised in an ice cream truck, a party animal teenager, and a retired drunkard are the unlikely heroes in this near-future setting. The tone of the book is described as funny, fresh, and original, providing a quick, fun read with good characters and a unique take on the transition from human to robotic bodies.

    Cobb Anderson would have held out longer, but you don't see dolphins every day. There were twenty of them, fifty, rolling in the little gray waves, wicketting up out of the water. It was good to see t...
    1982
    198 pages

  3. #3
    Robot Dreams
    Book 7 in the series:Robot

    Robot Dreams - Robot by Isaac Asimov
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    A smart and varied introduction to Asimov’s genius - more than just robots! Great for curious minds, but manage your expectations regarding the title.

    Robot Dreams by Isaac Asimov is a collection of short stories that delve into the future of robotics and technology, exploring how humans would interact with these advancements. Despite the misleading title, the stories cover a diverse range of sci-fi themes, from futuristic presidential elections to the consequences of intelligent machines. Asimov's writing style in this book showcases his ability to create thought-provoking narratives that challenge readers to consider the impact of technology on society.

    He looked up at Officer Brown and put his hand over the mouthpiece of the phone. It was a ham of a hand that nearly swallowed up the phone altogether. His blunt-featured face was ruddy and steaming un...
    1986
    371 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Robot )

  4. #4

    The Stone Gods by Jeanette Winterson
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    A bold, poetic, and thought-provoking eco-sci-fi novel that takes risks with structure and theme - rewarding for the adventurous, but may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

    'The Stone Gods' by Jeanette Winterson is a science fiction novel that explores themes of human nature, love, environmental destruction, and the cycle of repetition in history. The book is divided into different sections, including a post-apocalyptic world on a dying planet, a narrative set on Easter Island, and a futuristic society on Planet Blue. Winterson weaves together complex ideas about time, humanity, and the consequences of our actions, all while delving into the relationships between humans, robots, and the Earth.

    But everything is trial-size; tread-on-me tiny or blurred-out-of-focus huge. There are leaves that have grown as big as cities, and there are birds that nest in cockleshells. On the white sand there a...
    2007
    235 pages

  5. #5

    Autonomous by Annalee Newitz
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    A daring and idea-rich sci-fi about freedom and personhood in a high-tech, corporate-dominated future - not perfect, but certainly thought-provoking and worth a read for fans of smart speculative fiction.

    Autonomous by Annalee Newitz is a science fiction novel set in a future where corporate patent law and big pharma control society, leading to humans and robots often being indentured rather than autonomous. The story follows Jack, a pirate who reverse engineers drugs to make them accessible to all, but a mistake leads her to be pursued by a relentless team of enforcers, a human and a robot. The book delves into themes of autonomy, slavery, and the ethics of ownership, while exploring the relationships between the characters in a dystopian setting filled with ethical dilemmas and complex narratives.

    Sand had worked its way under Paladin’s carapace, and his actuators ached. It was the first training exercise, or maybe the fortieth. During the formatting period, it was hard to maintain linear time;...
    September 2017
    304 pages

  6. #6

    Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
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    Brash, breezy, and filled with big ideas, Sapiens is a stimulating crash course in human history. It’s an entertaining gateway to thinking about who we are, though not everyone will agree (or approve) of Harari’s takes. Read it for the conversation, not as the last word.

    'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari is a thought-provoking exploration of the history of humans, spanning from our early caveman days to modern times. The author delves into the three major revolutions of cognitive, agricultural, and scientific advancements, shedding light on human myths and societal constructs like capitalism and free market. Through insightful discussions, the book examines the evolution of mankind, from the domestication of fire to the mastery of our surroundings, while also speculating on the future impact of humans on life on earth.

    About 300,000 years after their appearance, matter and energy started to coalesce into complex structures, called atoms, which then combined into molecules. The story of atoms, molecules and their int...
    2011
    492 pages

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