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Sublimating the epistemological scope of a mere science-fiction tale, The Bicentennial Man (1976) by Isaac Asimov (1920-92) centers around a philosophical labyrinth where the lines between humanity and machine blur, inviting the reader to question the very essence of what it means to be human. The intricate narrative of an AI robot's journey toward humanness serves as a profound meditation on the evolving relationship between humans and robots. Andrew Martin, the positronic robot at the heart of the story, is not just a mechanical marvel; he is, instead, a crucible in which Asimov tests the boundaries of consciousness, human identity, and the emotional yearning for belonging. This paper delves into the novella's exploration of these themes, unraveling the intricate process of Andrew's robot-human evolution and its profound implications for a better understanding of the meaning of humanness and the future of artificial intelligence. In the realm of science fiction, The Bicentennial Man thus stands as a luminous testament to the enduring question of human identity. Through the poignant lens of Andrew in his desire to be human, the novella builds upon the posthumanist discourse of the man-machine dichotomy, providing the reader with a timely opportunity to re-evaluate consciousness, emotion, and the defining characteristics of humanity. (Hanbat National University)
Yeonman Kim (Thu,) studied this question.