Deadly Machines and Their Precursors in Myth, Folklore, Literature, Popular Culture and Reality
May 15, 2019
In this survey of the myths, archetypal frameworks, and characteristics of contemporary killer machines, Markowitz identifies the ways perceptions of robots have evolved over time and in various cultures. From the Tibetan tulpas to the South African Tokoloshe and Japanese Gashadokuro, and Jewish golems to superheroes, these non-robotic robot-precursors offer insights into the hopes, fears, and expectations for machines and their roles in popular media. Drawing from literature, comic books, television, film, and videogames, Markowitz identifies trends relating to the treatment of autonomous robots and self-aware creations: their motivations, their applications for crime, crime-fighting, and war, and how they compare to real-world killer machines, such as AI-controlled drones and weaponry. Markowitz also discusses the controversies surrounding these technological advances and their implementation with regards to human ethics. With a broad range of examples, this examination of humanity's artificial counterparts offers plenty to delve into for sf fans and everyone interested in a rich context for AI.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)