Fleeting Significance: Humanoid Robots as Disposable Entities in Ian Mcewan's Machines Like Me and Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun

Abstract

This thesis presents an in-depth exploration of the intricate relationships between humanoid robots and their human counterparts depicted in Ian McEwan's Machines Like Me and Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun. Through a multifaceted analysis, this study scrutinizes themes revolving around the fear of "the other", fear of potential replacement, and investigates Wilhelm Hegel's master-slave dialectic, particularly through the lens of servitude within these literary narratives. The examination reveals a nuanced portrayal wherein the humanoid robots, central to the narratives, endure exploitation, sometimes mistreatment, and eventual disregard. The analysis highlights the societal dynamics that perpetuate the use and abandonment of these robots, positioning them as instruments employed for convenience until they no longer serve their intended purpose. By intertwining philosophical concepts such as "uncanny", "the other", and "face-to-face encounter" as well as ethics of robotics and Asimov's three rules of robotics with literary analysis, this thesis offers insight into the intricate complexities of human-robot relations. It underscores the ethical considerations and power dynamics inherent in the treatment of humanoid robots, shedding light on how these narratives reflect contemporary societal apprehensions and attitudes towards artificial intelligence and its integration into daily life. In consideration of these theories and concepts, the study ultimately asserts that despite their technological advancement and emulation of human behaviour, including emotions, humanoid robots or machines equipped with artificial intelligence persist in being deemed redundant.