The Caves of Steel
Work Title: The Caves of SteelMedium: Novel
Episode Title:
Year: 1954
Writer(s): Isaac Asimov
"Original" Writer: Yes Own work?: No
Summary:
from amazon.com From the Publisher A millennium into the future two advancements have altered the course of human history: the colonization of the galaxy and the creation of the positronic brain. Isaac Asimov's Robot novels chronicle the unlikely partnership between a New York City detective and a humanoid robot who must learn to work together. Like most people left behind on an over-populated Earth, New York City police detective Elijah Baley had little love for either the arrogant Spacers or their robotic companions. But when a prominent Spacer is murdered under mysterious circumstances, Baley is ordered to help track down the killer. The relationship between Life and his Spacer superiors, who distrusted all Earthmen, was strained from the start. Then he learned that they had assigned him a partner: R. Daneel Olivaw. Worst of all was that the "R" stood for robot--and his positronic partner was made in the image and likeness of the murder victim! --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.
Era/Year of Portrayal: distant_future
Distinctive characteristics of the world in portrayal:
Over a thousand years into the future, the 8 billion people on Earth live in Cities - giant enclosed domes, where people live almost communally, and yeast is the primary foodstuff. The economy is not based on money, but on ranking. Food, living quarters, and priviledges are given according to ranking in a caste system. People never vcenture outside of the City - never breathe fersh air, or see sunshine. Earth is one of 50 planets with humans living on it.
Technology
- Name of portrayed presence-evoking technology: R. Daneel Olivaw
- Description of the technology: Daneel is a robot, but appears remarkably human. He is mobile, can communicate, can even eat, as long as after he empties his food sac. People interact with him as if he was human. He is helpful, submissive, and determined to uphold justice, that all laws will be followed. He remembers everything, and has a desire to learn. He has no emotions.
- Nature of task or activity: Lije Baley and Daneel are on a murder case, and they travel and work together to solve it.
- Performance of the Technology: works very well.
- Description of creator(s): Dr. Sarton, a scientist. White, tall, a Spacer - meaning, he was born and raised on an Outer World, not Earth. An expert in robotics, and murdered.
- Major goal(s) of creator(s): To let people live in more comfort, and to convince Earthmen to colonize more planets.
- Description of users of technology: Everyone interacts with Daneel, men and women, all adults or teenagers. Race is not mentioned.
- Type(s) of presence experience in the portrayal: social_presence
- Description of presence experience: The experience is as if interacting with a human.
- User awareness of technology during experience: Some are aware Daneel is a robot - those who interact the most closely with him, and are informed by someone else.
- Valence of experience: They di not enjoy the experience. Humans are generally afraid of Daneel, afraid of upsetting the delicate balance of life.
- Specific responses: intense parasocial relationships, involvement, improved task performance and skill training,
Baley catches the murderer and is convinced that robots aren't bad. Additionally, he is convinced that humans can colonize other planets. Fear of leaving the city is dissapearing, and a new movement starts. A happy ending.
Other: Coder name: Amanda ScheinerCoder email: amandags@temple.edu
Coder affiliation: Temple University