Technology in Literature

Religion is a prominent topic in literature. One of the most major works of literature written is the Bible, a book wholly devoted to religion. Other literature genres regularly discuss religious issues. One genre where it is often not expected but frequently found is Science Fiction. Some Science Fiction deals with religion as a major theme, such as Dune. Many references are not quite as obvious however they are still apparent. In short stories by Philip K. Dick, and Isaac Asimov, as well as the novel Software by Rudy Rucker, religion is a theme that is expressed in many different ways.

Religion appears many places in the stories included in I, Robot by Asimov. In the story “Reason,” the robot known as Cutie begins to consider his existence. He begins by declaring “For you to make me seems improbable,” explaining that an inferior creature could not possibly create a superior one. Cutie is faced with viewing a new robot being put together to prove that Powell and Donovan “created” him, but Cutie explains that all they did was put him together, that was not the same as creating something. Cutie decides that his visual sensors just give illusions when confronted with the idea of space and planets. Eventually he forms his own religion in which he declares himself a prophet. His work as prophet involves maintaining the space station and all its workings. This is exactly what he was built to do but the robot Cutie, takes it as messages from the Master that he is required to fulfill. The humans who interact with Cutie have interesting reactions to Cuties religion. They seem to find it silly that Cutie believes in the Master, and of course their reactions are well founded since they know that Cutie was created by US Robotics; however, many humans in their time also believed in god-like beings. In the end Powell and Donovan decided it did not matter what Cutie believed as long as he did his job.

Another reference to religion is in the story “Escape,” This reference... [continues]

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