The stories in I, Robot are structured as a. journal entries b. parts of an interview c. letters
The Three Laws of Robotics are meant to ensure that a. robots think like humans b. robots function properly c. robots make ethical decisions
The “Frankenstein complex” is the belief that a. robots will never be as smart as humans b. robots will eventually turn against their creators c. robots are incapable of emotions
Discussion/essay questions
In recent years, scientists have made many advancements in artificial intelligence. Do you think robots will ever be able to think like humans? Do you think it will happen in the near future? Why or why not?
Transcript
I, Robot is a collection of science fiction stories by American writer and scientist Isaac Asimov. The stories were originally published in science fiction magazines. They were compiled into a book in 1950. The stories are structured as parts of an interview with a robotics expert named Susan Calvin. Throughout the book, robots follow Asimov’s famous Three Laws of Robotics. These laws are designed to ensure that robots make ethical decisions. At the time, Asimov’s book was unique for describing robots as humanlike beings. Asimov often criticized a trope he called the “Frankenstein complex,” which was the belief that robots would eventually turn against their creators. Although technology has changed since I, Robot was published, it is still seen as an important exploration of morality in artificial intelligence.
Fingerprints develop a. when DNA first forms b. in the womb, while skin is still growing c. a few days after birth
To change your fingerprint, you would need to damage a layer of skin called a. the epidermis b. the dermis c. the hypodermis
A very small percentage of people a. have matching fingerprints b. have fingerprints that change naturally c. have no fingerprints
Discussion/essay questions
Many cell phones now allow people to use their fingerprints to secure their personal information. Some people find this concerning. Unlike a password, it is very difficult to change your fingerprint. Do you think it is a good idea to secure your information with a fingerprint? Why or why not?
Transcript
Unlike most physical features, fingerprints are not genetic. The patterns on our fingers develop in the womb, while skin is still growing. For this reason, no two people have the same fingerprints, even identical twins. The ridges of a fingerprint are the same through multiple layers of skin. This is why fingerprints stay the same after cuts or scrapes heal. To permanently change your fingerprint, you would need to destroy all of the skin’s outer layers and damage the inner layer, which is called the dermis. Since the early 20th century, many law enforcement agencies have used fingerprints to identify people. They are more accurate than earlier identification techniques, such as measuring body proportions. However, fingerprints are not a foolproof way to find someone. Some diseases and medications can cause people to lose their fingerprints. A very small percentage of people are even born without them. This can make it difficult to get legal documents, enter different countries, and apply for certain jobs.
The first Geneva Convention took place in a. 1864 b. 1918 c. 1949
The purpose of the first Geneva Convention was to create protections for a. prisoners of war b. civilians c. injured soldiers
The original agreement was signed by a. four countries b. six countries c. twelve countries
Discussion/essay questions
Switzerland’s neutrality has caused a lot of debate. What is your opinion about countries staying neutral in wars? What are some good reasons to be neutral? Do you think it is ever unacceptable not to choose a side?
The red cross, crescent, and crystal are all recognized symbols for medics in war. Which symbol does your country use?
Transcript
The Geneva Conventions are the agreements that created an international code of laws and ethics for war. They took place in Geneva, Switzerland, because of the country’s historic neutrality. The first Geneva Convention was in 1864. It established laws to protect soldiers who had been injured in combat. It also formally recognized the red cross as a neutral symbol for medics. Twelve countries signed this original agreement, and four more joined by 1867. After World War II, many countries agreed to revisit the treaties. In 1949, the Geneva Convention was expanded to four sections. The second, third, and fourth Geneva Conventions included protections for civilians and prisoners of war. Since then, 196 countries have signed the Geneva Conventions, including all members of the United Nations.
Do you think that retribution is a good way to enforce laws? Why or why not?
Transcript
The Code of Hammurabi is a stone slab that contains 282 ancient laws. It was created around 1750 B.C., during the reign of Babylonian ruler Hammurabi, who claimed that the laws had come from the gods. The code was written in Akkadian, an ancient Babylonian language. Some of the laws dealt with crimes such as murder, theft, or assault, while others focused on civil disputes. The slab was displayed in public so that everyone could know the law. Hammurabi enforced laws through retribution, which meant that a perpetrator would often be punished with the same crime they had committed. Although laws today are very different, many legal systems have been influenced by the Code of Hammurabi.
The town of Longyearbyen is located on the Svalbard archipelago in Norway. It is known for its local policy that prevents people from . Residents of Longyearbyen who are very sick or injured are sent to on the mainland. The town has also outlawed burying bodies in the ground, and even cremation requires a permit. While this law sounds unusual, it exists for a good . In the 1950s, residents learned that bodies buried on the archipelago don’t decompose. This is because the is so cold that the ground is always frozen. The problem with this is that the cold ground also preserves viruses that the bodies are infected with. In order to prevent an outbreak, Longyearbyen stopped using the town cemetery.
Comprehension questions
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Discussion/essay questions
Many places around the world have some strange laws. For example, it is illegal to enter the British Parliament building while wearing a suit of armour. Are there any unusual laws where you live?
Transcript
The town of Longyearbyen is located on the Svalbard archipelago in Norway. It is known for its strange local policy that prevents people from dying. Residents of Longyearbyen who are very sick or injured are sent to hospitals on the mainland. The town has also outlawed burying bodies in the ground, and even cremation requires a permit. While this law sounds unusual, it exists for a good reason. In the 1950s, residents learned that bodies buried on the archipelago don’t decompose. This is because the climate is so cold that the ground is always frozen. The problem with this is that the cold ground also preserves viruses that the bodies are infected with. In order to prevent an outbreak, Longyearbyen stopped using the town cemetery.
