Computina/Introduction

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

Law I: A robot may not harm a human or, by inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
Law II: A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the first law.
Law III: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the first or second law.

"There have always been ghosts in the machine. Random segments of code, that have grouped together to form unexpected protocols. Unanticipated, these free radicals engender questions of free will, creativity, and even the nature of what we might call the soul. Why is it that when some robots are left in darkness, they will seek out the light? Why is it that when robots are stored in an empty space, they will group together, rather than stand alone? How do we explain this behavior? Random segments of code? Or is it something more? When does a perceptual schematic become consciousness? When does a difference engine become the search for truth? When does a personality simulation become the bitter mote... of a soul? "
- Dr. Alfred Lanning

Detective Del Spooner: Human beings have dreams. Even dogs have dreams, but not you, you are just a machine. An imitation of life. Can a robot write a symphony? Can a robot turn a... canvas into a beautiful masterpiece?
Sonny: Can *you*?