Renowned British author Ian McEwan latest novel MACHINES LIKE ME examines artificial intelligence of humanoid robots by challenging the logic of human reasoning found flawed by illogic. Set in London in the 1980s (amidst anachronistic events) the first limited roll-out of robots made to be discernible from humans in physicalities are rare, highly priced, coveted possession. The male/female robots are all named Adam or Eve but each is given unique physical features & ethnicities. Charlie recently came into a windfall inheritance and splurges on the purchase of an Adam (although he would have preferred an Eve). Charlie enlists the help of the attractive female tenant Miranda to transport Adam into his apartment. Both Adam & Miranda are fascinated to learn Adam's abilities and behaviors. Charlie has fallen in love with Miranda and decides to allow her to select half the personality traits (unbeknownst to him) that will determine Adam's characteristic sets. Still, there is a learning curve for Adam to develop human interaction skills and for Charlie & Miranda to appreciate or not Adam's presence in their lives. As much as science as advanced in the field of AI mastery of the mind remains an elusive enigma influenced by indeterminate emotions & morals. Adam's mind built on logic is in turmoil confronted with the hurricane of contradictions noted in human's behaviors. McEwan's thought provoking novel manufactures dilemmas that are mind bending. The distinctive inherent essence of human existence that heretofore believed pertained to humans alone become ambiguous as relationships progress between Charlie, Miranda and Adam. The implications for a future where brain-machines interface and merge androids and man seem both chilling and probable.
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