Frankenstein Complex And Asimov's Three Laws Essay

In “Frankenstein,” by Mary Shelley, the concept of ethics unifies Victor Frankenstein and Asimov’s three laws. Mary Shelley invites the reader to question Victor’s ethics in a variety of ways. The concept of ethics and the idea of “playing God” seems to come up numerous times in the novel. One main idea that stems from this idea of ethics when creating a being is detailed in a thesis, “The Frankenstein Complex and Asimov’s Three Laws” by Lee McCauley. He explores the idea that whenever humans create artificial intelligence they must serve an ethical duty to protect people and follow Asimov’s Three Laws. “This fear of man broaching, through technology, into God’s realm and being unable to control his own creations is referred to as the “Frankenstein Complex” by Isaac Asimov” (McCauley). These

Many of the choices that Victor makes throughout the novel can be viewed as unethical. Victor consistently breaks all of Asimov’s three laws, which are widely accepted throughout the study of artificial intelligence and human creation. Asimov’s three laws and “The Frankenstein Complex” have roots going as far back as the 1920’s. However, in 1942 Isaac Asimov clearly outlined these laws in his short story “Runaround”. (Jones) Asimov’s first law states “A [creation] may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.” (Three laws of Robotics) Victor consistently breaks this law throughout the novel. He initially abandons his creation without any knowledge of the outside world, and lets it roam freely. He does not even think about finding the creation or taking accountability for its actions. He was solely infatuated with the idea of creating this being and never thought of the repercussions his actions would have. “Nor could I consider the magnitude and complexity of my plan as any argument of its impracticability. It was with these feelings that I began the creation of a human