Irony of The Three Laws of Robotics
Towards the end of the novel, Byerley breaks the First Law of Robotics and this raises questions regarding his own identity, as well as if the so-called “most powerful human” is truly a robot. The Three Laws of Robotics were enacted and supposed to be consistently followed.
Irony of Over-Reliance on Technology
People want to utilize technology to simplify daily tasks in life. However, this novel portrays the possibility of robots become so advanced to the point that they destroy humans (technology taking over us in the future).
Irony of Artificial Beings
Asimov's writing was influenced by author of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley. The coined term "artificial being" becomes apparent in terms of robots, but now the robots, although artificial, begin to take on a mind of their own. A machine creating an artificial being demonstrates contradiction regarding what is morally and ethically superior.
Irony of Speaking the Truth
In the fifth story of I, Robot, Dr. Susan Calvin is told by a robot about a person she is attracted to. The robot lies to Dr. Calvin in order to not hurt her feelings, following the First Law of Robotics. However, this is conflicting, as it is evident that technology and the robots portray independent thoughts and stray away from the truth. Shouldn't the technology we rely on provide only what is true? Or is following a set of laws in protection of humans at a greater benefit?
Irony of Culture and Societal Roles
There are several instances of irony in relation to cultural assumptions and stereotypes. The robots in the novel all appear to be male; if there were female robots or others of un-assumed gender, the laws of robotics may need to be altered accordingly. However, Dr. Calvin is a female and the most intelligent one at that. Asimov wrote this novel in the mid-1900s, and the culture of technology includes some aspects spot on, while others completely in contradiction to what the robot named Cutie believes (that his master created him, not as a result of mistakes or inferior aspects).
