Daneel | Video

[thezerothlaw]

I must say that I have found the process of dreaming to be an interesting experience. I did not think that once I had returned to my normal state after having been human I would be able to experience it again, though other people's dreams was not something I anticipated.

[Daneel's manner is, as always, solemn, but he seems to have a certain extra weight to his words today. He has a serious matter to address.]

To anyone whose dreams I may have intruded upon, I beg your pardon.

[With that out of the way, he straightens.]

I have always considered humanity to be something other than myself, and something greater. There are a number of traits I have thought myself incapable of, but now I am not certain of that. A redefinition is necessary. I have an important question, and if anyone can spare the time to answer it, I would greatly appreciate it.

Namely, how would you define a sentient being that could be referred to as a person?

Comments

[all replies audio]

[unsanguine]

I would very much like to hope the aspiration is enough. That to want to be a--person is to be it. Otherwise there doesn't seem to be much to strive for, does there?

Re: [all replies audio]

[thezerothlaw]

This is an optimistic point of view.

[That's not a criticism, merely an observation.]

I may wish to be many things, but if I were to aspire to being a planet, that would be a sign of serious mental disturbance, not a sign that I am actually a person.

[all replies audio]

[unsanguine]

Yes. It doesn't seem to be much use to be anything else.

[You like that Churchill quote, Daneel? Hal probably has more. ]

...er. I'm sorry, I don't follow. A person aspiring to be a planet would still be a person, wouldn't he? Albeit one without much to do.

Re: [all replies audio]

[thezerothlaw]

[Churchill quotes, alas, will only go over his head.]

I'm not convinced that if I aspire to be a person, it is not also a sign of mental disturbanc. If a robot is not a person, then why would my wishing to be one change that?

[all replies audio]

[unsanguine]

[ The future must be so uncivilised. :( ]

A dilemma I've often encountered myself. [ There's an effort to keep his voice neutral here, since he has managed not to out himself so far. ] I'm not certain whether I can answer any better for you than I can for me, save the surety it's a privilege. One must behave in such a way as to make himself worthy of earning it.

Re: [all replies audio]

[thezerothlaw]

I see.

[Daneel considers this a moment, the idea that humanity, personhood is something that must be earned.]

How, in your opinion, does one earn personhood? What behaviour is necessary to achieve this?

Re: [all replies audio]

[unsanguine]

[ With conviction: ]

To do no harm. A great simplification, of course, but otherwise I might keep you for a fortnight.

Re: [all replies audio]

[thezerothlaw]

I see.

[Daneel considers this momentarily.]

I am already intended to do no harm. I strive to never to do harm. The First Law of Robotics is that a robot must not harm a human being, nor through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

[all replies audio]

[unsanguine]

[ Ah. That explains the uh, lack of life pulse. ]

I suppose it's rather a different kettle of fish when you've no impulses to the contrary.

[ He sounds a little envious. Not maliciously, just wistful. ]

Re: [all replies audio]

[thezerothlaw]

Perhaps it is. If I cannot, by my nature, knowingly do no harm, then how should I define personhood beyond that?