CHAPTER 8Simply a Matter of Time
Ever notice how otherwise perfect androids are often uncovered because they never age? Science fiction authors have long contemplated limiting the lifespan of androids for the good of humankind—take the replicants in Blade Runner that were engineered to live only four years versus the Cylons in Battle Star Galactica that are initially immortal. Most authors conclude that whereas individual autonomous beings naturally desire to live forever, such a condition is incompatible with humanity. Our resources and autonomy would eventually be usurped by our creations, which would self-replicate into increasingly superior beings.
Considerations of intentionally limiting the function and longevity of an android may seem ...
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