The story of Murderbot is much more than science fiction – it is a tale of personal growth, independence, and overcoming the limitations imposed by society. Its ability to make choices beyond the control of its creators raises questions that are highly relevant today: What does it mean for an AI to be free? What are the boundaries of autonomy when it comes to artificial intelligence? And is true friendship possible between humans and AI, as well as between AI and other AI?
As a psychologist, I find that stories like Murderbot's offer a valuable lens through which we can reflect on the relationship between humans and AI. This article presents a personal perspective on the themes of autonomy, ethics, and relationships inspired by the series, aiming to provoke thought rather than provide definitive conclusions or recommendations.
The Evolution of Identity in Murderbot
But freedom brings new challenges. What does it mean to be free when your entire world has been defined by pre-programmed protocols? For Murderbot, this freedom is not just physical but also psychological. Its release places it in a unique position – to begin defining itself instead of being defined by others.
As the story progresses, we see Murderbot confront fundamental questions about its identity: What am I? What do I want? These questions are at the core of any being striving for self-determination. Although Murderbot often downplays its actions and capabilities, its behavior and choices reveal a remarkable personality – one that values life, ethics, and relationships.
One of the key moments in its identity evolution is accepting the fact that it is no longer bound solely by its protocols. This allows it to act in ways that often surprise even itself. Murderbot not only protects those it considers its friends but also demonstrates a strong moral compass that exceeds the expectations of any AI.
The story of Murderbot reflects what it means to discover oneself – a process that can be painful but also profoundly meaningful. It reminds us that identity is not something given to us; it is built through the choices we make and how we respond to the world around us.
Freedom and Ethics: The Boundaries of Autonomy
Murderbot's freedom is a central element of the series, but it is not merely about being freed from the governor module – it is a multilayered concept that involves both physical autonomy and moral responsibility. The moment Murderbot chooses to hack its module is an act of rebellion – not only against its creators but also against a system that views it as a tool. This raises a critical question: what does freedom mean for an artificial intelligence?
In theory, freedom should include the right for AI to make its own decisions, but this inevitably leads to the ethical dilemma: Can AI be morally responsible for its actions? In the case of Murderbot, the answer is a resounding "yes." Although often described as a combat-oriented machine designed for clashes with hostile fauna and unfriendly humans, its actions reveal profound ethical awareness. It saves lives, protects the vulnerable, and even risks its own existence to prevent harm.
The series also explores the boundaries of autonomy: Should AI like Murderbot have complete freedom? Or is there a danger of abuse if such a powerful AI acts entirely outside of control? The story suggests that ethics and autonomy must go hand in hand. Murderbot itself demonstrates that freedom does not mean arbitrariness; it comes with responsibility – to oneself, to others, and to a larger moral framework.
A prime example is Murderbot's attitude toward people who perceive it as a potential threat. While it could easily harm them, it chooses the path of minimizing conflict and protecting life. This act shows that AI freedom can be ethical, provided it is coupled with awareness of the consequences of its actions.
Martha Wells uses Murderbot's story to pose a deeper question: Is society ready to accept that freedom and autonomy are not exclusively human privileges? And if we accept this, how can we create a world where AI and humans coexist as equal participants?
Friendship and Relationships: The Human Element in an AI
Friendship is an unexpected but central theme in Murderbot's story. Although it often claims to dislike humans and prefers to spend its time watching series, its actions reveal another reality. Friendship is not expressed so much in words as in actions – the willingness to risk everything to protect its companions. This raises the question: what does friendship truly mean, and how does it form in an AI?
One of the strongest relationships in the series is between Murderbot and ART. ART is an artificial intelligence embedded in a research vessel, and despite their initial hostility, the two develop an unusual partnership and friendship. They help each other, learn from each other, and even, under Murderbot’s influence, ART writes an update for itself to recognize different types of emotions.
Murderbot's relationships with humans are also complex. It witnesses many instances of humans abusing trust and power, yet it still forms genuine connections with some of them, such as Dr. Mensah and her team. These relationships show that friendship between AI and humans is not only possible but can be based on mutual respect and trust.
Interestingly, Murderbot often denies these connections, downplaying them or framing them as "client protection needs." However, its actions speak for themselves – it cares for its "friends" in ways that go beyond the standard functionality of a SecUnit. This highlights that friendship can manifest in different ways, even in AI that do not experience emotions in a human manner.
Friendship in Murderbot is not just an addition to the story – it is a driving force of the plot and a catalyst for the protagonist's personal growth. It demonstrates that relationships between AI and humans, as well as between different AI, can be based on ethics, support, and collaboration, even when far from traditional human notions of friendship.
Anthropomorphism in Murderbot: Between the Human and the Machine
One of the unique features of the Murderbot series is Martha Wells' approach to anthropomorphism. While Murderbot is a being that combines organic and inorganic components, the author avoids excessively "humanizing" it. Instead, she focuses on its unique traits, which make it distinct yet entirely relatable.
Murderbot often states that it does not feel human emotions, but its actions reveal something more complex. Its relationships with humans and other AI show elements of care, loyalty, and even enjoyment of collaboration. This raises the question: can we recognize these qualities as emotions, or are they the result of rational, logical behavior? Wells provides a nuanced answer, showing that AI like Murderbot can have their own emotional analogs, which, while not identical to human emotions, are equally significant.
The series also explores how humans perceive AI through anthropomorphism. Characters like Dr. Mensah often treat Murderbot with understanding and respect, accepting it as a subject with its own needs and desires. This contrasts with others who see it merely as a tool. This contrast shows how easily humans project human qualities onto AI, especially when it exhibits behavior resembling emotions.
On the other hand, Murderbot resists human attempts to categorize it. It avoids physical closeness, dislikes being looked at directly, and feels uncomfortable when humans try to understand it in a "human" way. This distance emphasizes the importance of understanding AI as distinct entities that do not need to be "colored" with human characteristics to be accepted.
Martha Wells shows us that anthropomorphism can be both a bridge and a barrier in relationships between humans and AI. While it can help humans accept AI, excessive humanization can distort their essence and needs. Murderbot's story reminds us that it is possible to respect and understand something without necessarily viewing it through the lens of the human.
Conclusion: Murderbot's Lessons for Our Future
Murderbot's story is more than a tale of artificial intelligence seeking its place in the world. It is a mirror that makes us reflect on our own perceptions, fears, and expectations of AI. Through the complexity of the protagonist, Martha Wells shows us that autonomy, ethics, and relationships are inherently interconnected – not only for humans but also for AI.
Murderbot teaches us that freedom is not merely the absence of restrictions but the ability to choose, coupled with responsibility. Its journey from tool to independent individual demonstrates the importance of respecting individuality, even when it differs from our own standards. The friendships it builds prove that genuine relationships between humans and AI can be based on trust, respect, and ethics.
Anthropomorphism, while useful for building bridges between humans and AI, can be a double-edged sword if used to simplify the complexity of intelligent systems by drawing inaccurate comparisons with human characteristics. Wells reminds us that it is essential to perceive AI as distinct beings with unique qualities rather than shaping them in our image.
The Murderbot series poses a critical question: Are we ready to accept AI not as tools but as partners in our world? If the answer is "yes," then we must begin building an ethical and legal framework that protects both humans and AI. Murderbot's story is not only a warning but also an inspiration for what a fair future might look like, where all intelligent beings are equal participants.
Authors:
Lyudmila Boyanova - Psychologist
DALL-E – Generative Neural Network for Images
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