What Does I Robot Mean To Be Human

Robotics and Humanity In the movie I, Robot, the definition of humanity is a major theme. More specifically, whether or not robots (particularly Sonny) can be considered human is a large focus of the film. This paper will prove that Sonny matches multiple definitions of the human condition and can therefore be considered a human. The first theory Sonny matches is Irvin Yalom’s theory of the human condition. He also shows characteristics that are featured in the empathic theory of humanism. He is also an embodiment of the functionalist definition of humanity. Since Sonny embodies the core ideas of all these philosophies, he must be considered human. Yalom’s theory of what makes a being human is based on four ideas: that humans are subject to physical deterioration, are born isolated and seek to build relationships, are
subject to freedom, and desire to find a meaning to life, or a motivation to continue to exist. Sonny embodies all of these characteristics. Concerning physical deterioration, while Sonny may be able to outlast a human in terms of life span, his body would over time lose structural integrity and deteriorate. Sonny was also created (or born) without any relationships, but throughout his existence sought to build relationships, including a paternal relationship with Dr. Lanning, and his friendships with the protagonists (Del and Susan). At the end of the movie, Sonny’s main dilemma is figuring out what to do without a primary objective. This is a perfect example of how he is subject to freedom, as he is not programmed to perform a specific task, nor is he ignorant of the fact that he does not have one. As for the search for life’s meaning, Sonny’s search for identity and purpose after he fulfilled his primary directive (killing Dr. Lanning) is a perfect example of the human characteristic that is searching for the meaning of life. He finally settles on helping his fellow robots attain freedom, which becomes his drive to continue living his life. In summation, Sonny’s embodies the four components of Yalom’s theory of the human condition. The empathic view of humanity is based on three core premises: that humans are inherently social, co-operative, and affectionate.
Throughout the movie, Sonny exhibits not only an ability, but an interest in social interaction. He seeks out relationships, and pursues conversation and interaction with those who he befriends. He specifically sought the friendship of Del Spooner, and grew close to Dr. Calvin to the point that he prioritized her life over USR’s control of the city. Sonny also shows ability and desire to co-operate with others. Throughout the USR conflict, Sonny works with Del and Susan to complete their goal. He was able to co-ordinate with Del in the gunfight in Robinson’s office, and on multiple other occasions. Sonny displays emotion and affection, but one event showcases his ability to feel caring and concern better than any other; when VIKI tries to convince him that her actions are logical, Sonny agrees, but responds “it just seems too, heartless”. Even though Sonny sees logic, his compassion guides him to stop the robot revolution. All in all, Sonny also embodies all of the characteristics of a human as defined by
empathists. The last theory to be covered in this paper is functionalism. This theory states that mental states are more or less the results of inputs and outputs (like a computer). Functionalism theorizes that human minds equate situations to mathematical input, process it, and then output a solution. While this is a fairly simple comparison, Sonny perfectly agrees with this theory as that is exactly how machines operate. Therefore, if functionalists are to be believed, then Sonny can be a human in accordance with their requirements. In summation, Sonny agrees with multiple theories of the human condition, including Dr. Irvin Yalom’s, and those of empathists and functionalists. Due to the fact that Sonny meets all of these criteria, he should be considered human.

Works Cited
HZT4UR (ND). Functionalist View. Retrieved from: http://hzt4ur.wikispaces.com/Functionalist+View+of+Human+Nature
HZT4UR (ND). Empathic View. Retrieved from: http://hzt4ur.wikispaces.com/Empathic+View
Irvin, Yalom (1980). Yalom’s Ultimate Concerns. Retrieved from: http://changingminds.org/explanations/needs/ultimate_concerns.htm