I, Robot Theme of Science

There are a few different branches of science in this book—astronomy (Mercury, the Sun), physics, and chemistry (Runaround.168), but the most important science is the imaginary science of robopsychology—the understanding of how robots think. Even though we only get one robopsychologist in these stories (the best one), that science underlies a lot of what happens in these stories. Science is also important here because it's not just some abstract search for truth; it's an institutional matter, with people fighting for resources and respect. Asimov worked as a scientist, so he knew that science was conducted by people, with all the usual issues of fear and power that people carry with them. If only we could be as well-adjusted as the robots…

1. Robots may be a good parallel for atomic science that was big in the 1940s (check out the "Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory" page for some thoughts on that); but are there other sciences and technology from that time that seem important in relation to robots? If you were to update these stories, what technology do you think would be a good parallel for robotics?
2. How does science relate to the other important themes of the book, such as power? Are scientists more powerful than others in the book?
3. How do different people deal with science and the unknown? For instance, Mrs. Weston doesn't understand robots, but does that stop her from having an opinion on them?
4. How do people resolve scientific disputes? For instance, Bogert and Lanning disagree on the math in "Liar!"—how do they work out this disagreement?

I, Robot shows the behind-the-scenes act of science, such as Hyper Drive's research, so that we don't take the technology for granted.

I, Robot focuses on the actions of a business, US Robots and Mechanical Men, Inc., which shows us that science is not some neutral human activity, but is also all tied up in business and politics and human prejudices.