Posted by Allan_Lang on September 03, 2004 at 17:43:47 from 202.61.171.25 user Allan_Lang.
In Reply to: Everyone is right was Re: Gamekeepers posted by Adam Quinan on September 02, 2004 at 23:37:25:
Actually three, also an ultra-short, also by Asimov. (the one I thought of when this discussion began)
Exploration team lands on planet, the only feature of which is a huge seated robot.
Over the years many scientists visit but none can figure out the purpose of the robot, even though it's still using power and all tests show it fully functional.
Finally one says in exasperation, "Why would they give it legs that it never uses?"
Now this is the first time anyone has asked an actual question in the presence of the robot, and it generates a response.
The robot rises to its full height, and after a short pause, speaks, "They wouldn't"
That's when the scientist realizes, "Of course, it only stands to reason"