The Illusion of Human Being’s Controlling the Intelligent Machine

This paper investigates how an intelligent machine that human beings create become a resistant entity which leads to human's illusion of controlling the intelligent machine. Even if Adam in Ian McEwan's Machines Like Me continues to be human-controlled, this machine will inevitably create unexpected obstacles for humans. This is why this novel is most relevant today than ever under the circumstance of genetic engineering to ChatGPT in modern society. McEwan compels readers to think about the consequences of owning an android with its own consciousness and ability for decision-making. As the narrator, Charlie, purchases Adam, only to face a string of troubles as he fails to exert full control over Adam. Charlie decides to destroy Adam, but he experiences guilt. This novel reveals an exploration of how non-human beings can easily go beyond their human owners' original intentions, leading to dire consequences. Despite Charlie's belated ambivalent feeling toward the machine, Adam is plunged into the demise by its owner.