From monsters to mediators: The evolution of the theme of altruism in early robotic science fiction texts

Abstract

Discourses on humanoid machines as cultural objects encompass a range of topics pertaining to the functions and significances of humanoid machines in contemporary culture and science fiction; however, not much attention has been paid to the specific theme of altruism in relation to fictional robots. This dissertation examines the theme of altruism in the representation of robots in early science fiction texts as a means of revealing a thematic preoccupation with questions regarding human nature and benevolence. These science fiction narratives constitute more than mere literary reactions or responses to various technophobic anxieties in the age of industrialism and/or the horrific aftermath of the First World War. Rather, these narratives also sought to explore and better understand the human condition by exploring the nature of human benevolence. By establishing a theoretical framework followed by literary analyses of selected texts, this dissertation contributes to our understanding of the versatility of fictional robots more generally, as well as our understanding of early thematic developments of this particular subgenre in science fiction.