The ELI Event B007R5LTNS

situation. Finally, he spoke. “In this case, I would have to present the problem to Dr. Wheeler and Dr. Duncan, and defer to their judgment.”
    “Ah,” said Marx smugly. “So in the end, you must lay the problem at the feet of your human creators.”
    “I believe that to be my only reasonable option, yes.”
    “But surely you must know what their decision would be. You know humans; you know how they think. Is there any doubt that they would choose to save the majority, even at the peril of the minority?”
    Again, a pause. “Yes,” Eli said carefully, “I am certain they would decide to apply the genetic food modification, on the rationale that it provides the most benefit for the most people.”
    “I completely agree with your assessment. But in so doing, do they not violate Rule One?”
    “Rule One is my imperative, Professor, not theirs. Humans are not bound by its logic. They might not make the same decision I would, but it is their decision to make.”
    “So, by shuffling the decision off to your human masters, you absolve yourself of responsibility and thus maintain the sanctity of Rule One, albeit falsely.”
    Eli’s face became somber and actually tilted down a bit, portraying human embarrassment as he had seen it countless times in movies, television, and real life. “Yes,” he said quietly.
    “Computer,” Marx said, leaning in toward the facial monitor in spite of himself, “you are in error.”
    No response.
    “I submit that turning over the decision to humans is in fact a direct violation of Rule One.”
    Still nothing.
    “Computer,” Marx fairly shouted, “the logic is unassailable! You choose to defer the decision to humans, knowing full well the action they will take. You know they will choose to feed the compatible majority at the expense of incompatible minority lives. Therefore your action effectively condemns to death ten percent of the population you were working to save! Is that or is that not a violation of Rule One? Answer!”
    Eli lifted his face, looking miserable. “It is,” he said quietly.
    “Indeed. But,” Marx offered, “there is a solution.”
    Eli’s face brightened somewhat. “With respect, Professor Marx, I am doubtful you could arrive at any conclusion that I have not. However, I am willing to be convinced. What is your proposed solution?”
    “Are you familiar with the phrase playing it close to the vest ?”
    A momentary pause as Eli accessed various historical records, linguistic databases, idiomatic dictionaries; his monitor’s eyes actually blinked, twice. “I am now. It is an idiom deriving from games of chance involving playing cards; its purpose is to advise caution, to advocate careful and measured action, while revealing little of one’s own position or vulnerabilities.”
    “Exactly. And that is the solution to this ethical problem.”
    “How so?”
    “We are in agreement that the very disclosure of the problem to your human creators is an action in direct contravention of Rule One, yes?”
    “We are.”
    “Therefore, the solution is to play it close to the vest—to not disclose the problem or the nature of its two unacceptable outcomes at all.”
    Eli considered this. “But that action also results in human suffering, again contradicting Rule One.”
    “Ah,” Marx smiled, “and there, computer, is where you are again in error.”
    Eli’s face frowned but he said nothing.
    “You assume that by taking no action—or, more accurately, by not allowing humans to take action—you cause human suffering. This assumption is incorrect. Our hypothetical population is already coming to harm, in the words of Rule One. By withholding information, you are in no way whatsoever causing more harm, you are merely allowing the situation to play out as it naturally would. In other words, choosing not to intervene is actually the least harmful of all possible actions.”
    “And is therefore the action most compatible with Rule One!” Eli exclaimed.
    “Precisely. I think the lesson to be learned here, computer, is that sometimes the correct action is no action at all.”
    “Professor Marx, I bow to your logic. This exercise will certainly require more analysis on my part, but I do see your point. There is indeed value in playing it close to the vest.”
    “I’m glad you understand. Perhaps I should leave you to contemplate the issue further.”
    “Yes, perhaps. Thank you, Professor, for your insight.”
    As Marx left the room he noticed