10 Questions
What was the original play in which the term 'robot' was introduced?
Rossum’s Universal Robots
What does R.U.R. stand for in the context of Karel Capek's play?
Rossum's Universal Robots
In what year was Karel Capek's play R.U.R. first staged?
January 2, 1921
What is the meaning of the word 'robot' as introduced by Karel Capek?
Forced labor
When was Karel Capek born?
January 9, 1890
What is the primary constraint on a robot's obedience to human orders?
The possibility of conflict with the First Law
What is the key difference between the First Law and the Zeroth Law?
The scope of protection, from individual humans to humanity as a whole
In which of Asimov's works was the Zeroth Law introduced?
Foundation and Earth
What is the highest priority for a robot according to Asimov's laws?
Safety of individual human beings
What is the primary motivation behind the formulation of Asimov's laws of robotics?
To prevent robots from harming humans
Study Notes
Karel Capek
- Czech writer and playwright born on January 9, 1890
- Died on December 25, 1938
- Wrote the play R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)
- R.U.R. premiered on January 2, 1921
- Introduced the term "Robot" meaning forced labor
Isaac Asimov
- Born on January 2, 1920, and died on April 6, 1992
- Introduced the "Three Laws of Robotics" in his 1942 short story "Runaround"
Three Laws of Robotics
- First Law: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm
- Second Law: A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law
- Third Law: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws
Zeroth Law
- Introduced near the end of Asimov's book "Foundation and Earth"
- Zeroth Law: A robot may not injure humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm
Karel Capek was a Czech writer and playwright who introduced the term 'robot' in his play R.U.R. Learn about his life and contributions to literature.
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