The Trouble with Docile Robots

Twelve-year-old Theo and his Mum were shopping at the Mars Colony Tech Fair.

In one of the displays, they found two household robots—one gleaming silver, one matte black.

"The X-47 model," the salesperson said, pointing to the silver one.

"It’s completely docile. This model does exactly what you say,

no questions asked." Docile means easily taught, led, or managed.

It also means obedient. "And this one?" Mum asked, eyeing the black robot.

"The Thinker-9. More expensive. Makes suggestions, debates decisions, offers alternatives."

"We'll take the docile one," Mum decided. "Cheaper, and I don't need