I, Robot

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Consider examples of science fiction you have encountered in literature, cinema, or even the visual arts. What are 6-8 characteristic traits of science fiction? Why is this genre important?

Teaching Suggestion: Science fiction is a fictional genre that is typically characterized by an emphasis on the potential of scientific principles, discoveries, or technologies; works in this genre are often set in future worlds or societies. Before beginning this collection of stories, it may be helpful to discuss the history of science fiction with the class, tracing the genre from antiquity (e.g., Lucian’s A True Story) through the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Students who are fans of the genre may be able to contribute important authors and examples of science fiction to this discussion (e.g., authors such as Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Philip K. Dick, Ursula K. Le Guin, and, of course, Isaac Asimov). As the mention of modern science fiction movies and series (e.g., the Matrix or Star Wars films, the Star Trek franchise) will likely arise, students might analyze these examples and point out how closely each one fits the 6-8 traits they listed in response to the prompt. Other examples offered by students may prompt extended discussion regarding sci fi subgenres like steampunk.

• This article from BBC Teach contains a timeline of science fiction literature, discussing notable examples of the genre from Gulliver’s Travels to MaddAddam.
• This article from MasterClass discusses the common characteristics and subgenres of science fiction.

2. What is a robot? What are the defining characteristics of robots in science fiction? What distinguishes robots from human beings and other organic life?

Teaching Suggestion: In science fiction, robots are usually presented as mechanical beings created by humans to provide various services. Examples of robots in fiction can be traced to authors such as Josef and Karel Čapek (who first coined the term in their 1920 play R.U.R.), Philip K. Dick, and Ira Levin, but students also might look at the role of robots in other media such as film and television. Small groups might begin to discuss the modern role of robots in society and the pitfalls and problems of robots as suggested by stories and media.

• This article discusses the literary history of robots. (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing without teacher guidance)
• This 5-minute video describes the famous Turing Test, a popular method used to determine whether a machine possesses human intelligence.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

Consider the relationship between fictional robots and AI (artificial intelligence) in the modern world. What are some of the real-world benefits of AI? What are some of the dangers? What might science fiction and robots teach us about the potential and/or implications of AI in the real world?

Teaching Suggestion: Encourage students to draw broadly on science fiction as well as their own experiences with AI (e.g., through generative models such as ChatGPT, or through machine learning models such as facial recognition or product recommendation software). Students might return to this prompt response during the reading of the collection and revisit the topic of the relationship between fiction and the real world.