Reason By Isaac Asimov Question & Answer

In his short story, Reason, Isaac Asimov subtly uses irony in order to demonstrate people`s nature. He distorts readers` expectations to see intelligent and reasoning robot that exceeds humans in cognitive abilities thus demonstrating the other level of evolution and development. By portraying robot QT-1 Asimov not only mocks QT`s pretensions to grandeur but also he illuminates people`s worst traits of character, like ignorance and blind faith covered with make-believe ‘facts’. This robot has tunnel vision that limits his perception of facts and, as a result, deprives him from reasonable and logical evaluation of situation. QT reminds a religious fanatic who dismisses all variants and hypothesis of world creation because he has found the only one that satisfies him. As can be seen advanced creature refuses to accept other points of view and rejects truth which reminds human`s nature itself. Thus through QT Asimov illuminates human`s pretensions to grandeur but at the same time he mocks Donavan and Powell showing how really great minds fall before ignorance and illogical reasoning. Moreover, QT has powerful abilities to store data but he lacks flexibility of mind which creates ironical and humorous situations and at the same time shows people`s way of thinking. It is one dimensional, primitive and disguised in false hypothesis.
Furthermore, QT`s behavior is more human than robot-like which is seen from his disobedience to Donavan and Powell`s orders to do what they want him to. With this in mind one may say that QT is truly another level in development; however, his evolvement goes through different stages like people`s did. His utter desire to serve the Master reveals that he is at the lowest stage because his lack of data and gaps in some explanations can be explained only by higher powers that go beyond him. Also, QT`s disobedience demonstrates Donavan and Powell`s insignificance and inferiority which highlights feasible aftermath of robot`s creation. Depicting conflict between scientists and QT Asimov illuminates vulnerable position of humans. If scientists manage to create a perfect being with a super intelligence than who will be on top of the evolution pyramid? In a mocking manner Asimov reveals possible flaws and hardships in dealing with robots thus entertaining reader but at the same time questioning human`s position in this world.