by Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team
Member since:
February 19, 2008

Win a copy of "Battlestar Galactica: The Plan"

October 20, 2009 01:23 PM EDT (Updated: October 30, 2009 11:00 AM EDT)
views: 624 | rating: 9.9/10 (14 votes) | comments: 126

The Cylons began as humanity's robot servants.  They rebelled and evolved and now they look like us.  Their plan is simple: destroy the race that enslaved them.  But when their devastating attack leaves human survivors, the Cylons have to improvise.  Battlestar Galactica: The Plan tells the story of two powerful Cylon leaders, working separately, and their determination to finish the task.

Gather is giving away five copies of Battlestar Galactica: The Plan. For your chance to win a DVD, in the comment field below, tell us, do you think it’s at all possible for robots to rebel against humans someday? Comments must be posted by October 27th.

Battlestar Galactica: The Plan comes to DVD October 27th.


Learn more about another Battlestar Galactica contest:

UGO invites you to enter for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles to dine with Edward James Olmos!  A champion of the human race, a stalwart leader in the face of insurmountable adversity and one heck of a dinner companion! To break bread with Edward James Olmos, known to the vast legion of Battlestar Galactica fans as “Admiral Adama” is an occasion as rare as the Eye of Jupiter! However, one lucky Battlestar Galactica fan will be granted this very special opportunity, should he or she prove worthy!  Entries will be accepted starting October 21st!

Until then, head on over to http://www.ugo.com/BattlestarContest/ to check out a behind the scenes clip!

http://media-files.gather.com/images/d630/d828/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

One entry per person. No purchase necessary. See official rules.

 
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Comments: 126

Mary G. Oct 20, 2009, 1:26pm EDT
Anything is possible, so I sure hope it doesn't happen.
Kat W. Oct 20, 2009, 1:28pm EDT
I would think that most likely could be a possiblity in the future as technology advances so will our arrogance.
Shannon W Oct 20, 2009, 1:38pm EDT
I don't think so but with our technology growing in leaps and bounds, who knows?
D M. Oct 20, 2009, 1:42pm EDT
Definitely. Computers have been rebelling against us for years now. Anytime you have a paper or important project do they attack you with that evil blue screen :P
Lori A Oct 20, 2009, 1:42pm EDT
I think so but it would be way in the future
Tara C. Oct 20, 2009, 1:59pm EDT
It is possible, I think it might happen when we start creating robots that have thinking abilities with feelings.
jenn g. Oct 20, 2009, 2:08pm EDT
i think it is possible especially because someone will probally think its a good idea to make a robot army!
me and my boyfriend just love this show!
do you think it’s at all possible for robots to rebel against humans someday? : Possibly
Brian H. Oct 20, 2009, 2:58pm EDT
With artificial intelligence - yes, it's possible!
DesertDarlene L. Oct 20, 2009, 3:08pm EDT
Oh wow, I love this show!

I am not sure that robots can rebel against the ones who created them unless they were created with the means to do so. I'm sure there would be at least one programmer who would enable at least one of them to do so.
Tiffany v. Oct 20, 2009, 3:59pm EDT
I honestly believe that with all the wars out there and leaders wanting to create new ways of battle and stopping these wars, that in the wrong hands this is possible. I mean if you look at basic things like computer crashes, video game bugs, and so on...... it then becomes entirely possible. Just one wrong programming, and clones could have a type of computer crash and completely take over. It may be far into the future, but totally possible.
Lune Wolfsong Oct 20, 2009, 5:00pm EDT
"do you think it’s at all possible for robots to rebel against humans someday?"

I'd like to say no, but so much of science fiction becomes our science fact in time, and so many writers have explored that potential, I have to acknowledge it might.
Janet "Jax" B. Oct 20, 2009, 7:31pm EDT
Nope....robots will never have the ability to rebel against humans. That is one of the fundamental laws of robots, according to Asmov. LOL. I just don't think we humans can create a robot that will be capable of that kind of thinking.
Patricia G. Oct 20, 2009, 11:23pm EDT
It's been awhile since I've watched the show, but I get this picture in my head of Starbuck shouting "Hey, I found the control-alt-delete buttons! The war's over!"

From a reality standpoint, I don't think we'll ever create a robot with the ability of sentient free will. Where I see things potentially going wrong is when we start trusting computers/robots in areas to eliminate human error--forgetting the fact that if we create the robot it has the potential to be flawed as well.

Interesting question. Have a great day!
April H. Oct 21, 2009, 1:47pm EDT
Yes, it's possible. We should all worry just where the technology of robotics is leading us humans, because in the future the dark side of machine intelligence will make itself felt with increasing force.
Ashley M. Oct 21, 2009, 2:56pm EDT
Yes, I think so. Robots are being developed everyday with far more abilities than they require to function. They can rationalize and make decisions. It is the logical next step. This is from over a year go, so old news in the tech world:

Roadrunner's computing power, explained IBM, is roughly equivalent to the combined computing power of 100,000 of today's fastest laptop computers -- which would create a stack of laptops 1.5 miles high.

If the entire population of Earth -- about 6 billion people -- used a handheld calculator at the rate of 1 second per calculation, it would take humans more than 46 years to do what Roadrunner can do in a single day, noted the company.

Technology has never been created that was not ultimately used for evil. There are only a few areas of human needs that could use so much power....and its not finding a cure for cancer...its finding a way to control.

Science will not be happy until it recreates something akin to life. A robot with free thought....why not?
colleen m. Oct 21, 2009, 2:57pm EDT
Clones yes, robots no. Robots are machines and machines do what they are programed to do...carry out our orders not their own.
sally g. Oct 21, 2009, 3:03pm EDT
yes I think they could. Things do break down.
Leslie ~ from NYC ~ R. Oct 21, 2009, 4:05pm EDT
I hope not to live to experience it. i don't think it's possible... but I am sure that there's a lot done with AI that I am not aware of
Dawn G. Oct 21, 2009, 4:19pm EDT
The world today is being taken over by computers and technology. You see how our banking system is run by computers and debit cards. When a computer system goes down it brings things to a hult.

I do not think it would be too far fetched to think of robots looking like humans and have full human functions. This is just the way technology pushes forward. I would have to speculate that as we continue to count on technology we will have robots and maybe clones in our future. It would also be a small leap to think of these machines deciding that we are not as good as they are. The robots may even total control.
Amy Smith Oct 21, 2009, 4:21pm EDT
I think this scenario could happen but it would be a long time from now. The technology is developing enough that it could be possible some day.
I think at some point in time, we will rely 100% on technology to get through the day- from waking up to brushing our teeth, to eating instantly prepared meals... ok, more so than we already do. I don't necessarily think that a computerized robot would be able to take over, no. They are not free thinking, despite what movies like to show. I do, however, think that as our dependence on techno-gadgets grows, we also grow weaker to electronic problems. The whole country would come to a stand still if we lost electricity, for instance. We can drive, but can't pump gas. We can go places, but can't see. We wouldn't be able to cool foods, or store them. We would be stuck trying to live an 1800's life with no know-how on how to do it.
Bruce M. Oct 21, 2009, 5:00pm EDT
Computers are already running our lifes. The computers do not currently do things by thier own choice, but some day they will and I dont think that day is very far away.
Daniel Vice Oct 21, 2009, 5:21pm EDT
I think they'll rebel, especially if my Tivo finds out I'm never going to be able to watch everything I've recorded (shhhh!)
Justin Reid Oct 21, 2009, 5:44pm EDT
Its extremely possible, AI is getting very advanced
bill p. Oct 21, 2009, 6:03pm EDT
Absolutely, my robot friends and I had a meeting today to devise a plan to take over the world. Why do you ask?
David C. Oct 21, 2009, 6:14pm EDT
Of course it's possible.

Resistance is futile, humans. ha ha ha ha ha (fiendish laugh)
C C. Oct 21, 2009, 6:34pm EDT
We can not even imagine what the future holds for us, just like people 100 years ago could not imagine all the technological advances of today. So, yes I think it is possible that robots could become that advanced and could possible rebel against humans one day.
wanda g. Oct 21, 2009, 6:55pm EDT
My opinion is that as fast as technology is progressing ( as far as i'm concerned it is not all progress) anything is possible who back in the 60's man walks on the moon in the 90's a sheep is grown from a single cell in a test tube,our future/ we do not know what may happen we just have to make the best of what we come in contact with.
sheila h. Oct 21, 2009, 6:59pm EDT
Of Course..my computer already rebels on a regular basis the little ungrateful bucket of ....um....computer microprocessors and other high tech guts and stuff..

Isaac Asimov called it and if our robotic creations ever approach the technology that the Cylons were based upon we are so screwed..:) after all the creation is a product of the creator ..
all the miracles and monstrosities..
Sandre M. Oct 21, 2009, 7:54pm EDT
I think if our technologies continue to develop at the rate they are, robots may rebel against their creators if they realize how vulnerable our emotions make us.
R B Oct 21, 2009, 8:02pm EDT
No. But if so, the positive side would be that the robot would have more sense than a politician.
Teresa W. Oct 21, 2009, 8:19pm EDT
Oh yes, I think robots could absolutely rebel against humans and take over one day.
Christopher K. Oct 21, 2009, 9:08pm EDT
No,Man makes robots and we will always make sure there will be some sort of safeguard against metal rebellion.Think about it.without an on and off switch,we would't even bother with it.
Angela Winesburg Oct 21, 2009, 9:11pm EDT
I think that its very unlikely, why would man program robots to be smart enough and have the capabilities to overpower them...
Amanda A. Oct 21, 2009, 9:43pm EDT
Sure...it's possible. But we'll be ready! With all the forewarning on the bad robots can do from books, movies and TV; we'd be fools to not be ready for it!
michelle d. Oct 21, 2009, 10:12pm EDT
anything can happen
J K. Oct 21, 2009, 10:28pm EDT
Yes, as machines become more sophisticated they will develop minds of their own.
Shannon Baas Oct 21, 2009, 11:23pm EDT
yes, it could be interesting.
christopher h. Oct 21, 2009, 11:41pm EDT
i think it's certainly possible at some point in the far future
No, it's not possible. Asimov's Three Rules of Robotics are sound in fiction and real life.

But you've really got to watch that GPS stuff. Programmed by murders, they are.
Denise B. Oct 21, 2009, 11:49pm EDT
For your chance to win a DVD, in the comment field below, tell us, do you think it’s at all possible for robots to rebel against humans someday? Well first we'd have to be able to make them - but in the future once we did - sure
Marsha S. Oct 22, 2009, 12:47am EDT
I would say it's highly possible!!
Sidewinder 7 Oct 22, 2009, 1:16am EDT
Human beings are always rebelling against one another and machines are quite capable of learning from us, so yes, I would say a rebellion of machines is very likely.
Michele H. Oct 22, 2009, 1:23am EDT
Of course. There are days when I'm sure my microwave is plotting to destroy me.
Gil T. Wilson Oct 22, 2009, 2:34am EDT
I don't necessarily think it will be robots, but computers in general...They are gathering this information on us from social sites and shopping...so they know more than we care to admit. when the computers begin to talk amongst themselves...that's when we'll be held hostage.
William S. Oct 22, 2009, 2:46am EDT
Of course
Nina A Oct 22, 2009, 3:36am EDT
Having seen every season of Battlestar Galactica (and even naming my fish after the characters) I honestly think that with all of the intelligence we have and continue to gain, could make a similar situation in the series possible. We already created lifelike robots to use as teachers and if we continue to increase a robot's intelligence and programming to act like a human, they may very well develop a conscience....or at least bug out and kill us all :P.
cadi w. Oct 22, 2009, 5:58am EDT
I think a more dangerous question is whether or not we are already in a post-human era. We are no longer "contained" by our bodies; technology allows us to extend our "mind" outside of ourselves. Someone asks us what time it is, and why say "yes" before we ever look at our watch. It's as if it were a part of us.

Concerning robot rebellion, a robot will only do what one programs it to do; so, according to this definition, it can't "decide" or "want" to rebel (unless someone programs it to do so). Unless "robots" are bestowed with all the same qualities as a human (and more), I think chances of rebellion are slim.
Carol Dziuba Oct 22, 2009, 6:24am EDT
do you think it’s at all possible for robots to rebel against humans someday?

Uh, no. No way, they don't have human intelligence and intuition.
Kathy S. Oct 22, 2009, 7:11am EDT
it is eerily possible.
Andrew G. Oct 22, 2009, 7:24am EDT
1agordon@roadrunner.com's almost as awesoem as zombies coming to take over the world.
Ali Hussein Lopez Oct 22, 2009, 9:02am EDT
If we use Asimov's laws of robotics in the programming, we should be safe:

"A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. "
Rita j. Oct 22, 2009, 9:35am EDT
Yes because they keep trying to make them human
Barb (Gather Site Ferret) Carlson Oct 22, 2009, 9:55am EDT
I don't think so. Animals are intelligent and have been with us as long as we've been on the Earth and THEY have not rebelled against us (maulings and such are instinctive behavior, not rebelling). Robots are machines and can only do what we tell them to do. I don't see AI bridging the gap to conscious intelligence (necessary to rebel) if the animals haven't done it by now.
Melissa Becker Oct 22, 2009, 10:09am EDT
I'm not sure that robots would ever take over en masse. Some might want to, but others would see us as pets or friends.
Kimberli T. Oct 22, 2009, 11:01am EDT
Haha, anyone that understands computers and how they work would not ask this question. Computers only do what they are programed to do. And I suppose it is possible for a robot to get 'stuck' on a program that it had been programed to do and be unable to reboot. But the chances of that happening enmass is laughable. Haha.
Tara craig Oct 22, 2009, 11:04am EDT
at the rate all the smart people are making the world a more advanced place I truly expect that someday some one will be able to invent a learning robot it's a scary thought!
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Oct 22, 2009, 11:58am EDT
I saw a special on NatGeo the other day where the Japanese actually have robots that look a lot like humans (quite like the cylons started doing, perhaps?) I don't think at this point in time we have the technology for robots to be able to think enough for themselves to be able to rebel. However, there are computers/robots that are being programed with learning functions and I do not think that is far fetched to imagine someday in the future the technology will get to the point where robots can think for themselves and rebel against humanity, much like the cylons in Battlestar Galatica.
Melissa Barnes Oct 22, 2009, 12:26pm EDT
I think it could happen - anything is possible
Michelle S. Oct 22, 2009, 12:26pm EDT
robots are big computers. my computer rebels against me almost everyday....so sure, i think it's possible!! lol :)
Angela J. Oct 22, 2009, 2:19pm EDT
Only in the movies
Sharon R. Oct 22, 2009, 2:24pm EDT
In today's thinking, I would say no.... but, being a huge sci-fi, fantasy, etc. fan - I would say definitely yes!
And in today's thinking, who's to say somewhere there is not a spammer, virus maker, trojan, worm, etc. person already building an army of these to further produce all the horrors these items already cause on a daily basis.
Yes, computers/robots are programmed by humans... but as often observed - computers don't always do exactly what we tell them to... nor do all humans behave as we expect. There are a multitude of scenerios that could take place. Sometimes humans are too complacent to realize what monsters/horrors/etc. they are actually creating.
As someone above stated - 100 years ago no one envisioned even a quarter of the things there are today - so how can we envision what is 100 years in the future?
Deborah Wellenstein Oct 22, 2009, 3:54pm EDT
I would say no-advisedly. No with today's technology, but tomorrow's? Who knows?
Monique R. Oct 22, 2009, 5:29pm EDT
Yes, it could happen!! Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
Rachel W. Oct 22, 2009, 6:45pm EDT
Yes, I think it could happen.
Leslie D. Oct 22, 2009, 7:32pm EDT
I think that it is very possible. Depending on their programming, a computer could surmise that a certain set of actions would be necessary to preserve their existence. Thanks for the giveaway~ love BSG.
I know they can. There's one room in my house that my Roomba won't let me go in. It is a very clean room, though, I have to say that.
M. G. Oct 23, 2009, 12:18am EDT
All things are possible. So, yes I believe it could happen.
Ruth Luce Oct 23, 2009, 10:03am EDT
I think it's possible for something to go horribly wrong in that manner. Would be a great 'tool' for terrorism as well, a virus planted and gone undetected, who knows what it could do?
Alan West Oct 23, 2009, 10:57am EDT
Nopers - humans will continue to fight other humans now and in the future - probably reducing the population by millions. That's a much more likely scenario.
Bob B. Oct 23, 2009, 10:58am EDT
I don't think so. To do so, a robot would have to have intelligence.
d d. Oct 23, 2009, 11:31am EDT
never say never... with technology advancing these days.... you just never know.
♠~Dnbuster~♠ ~. Oct 23, 2009, 11:47am EDT
I would have to answer that as a yes i think in the future it is possible.
Sunaura *. Oct 23, 2009, 11:48am EDT
Yes
Tanzanite S. Oct 23, 2009, 12:20pm EDT
Possibly but more likely there will be a little human error.
Johnny M. Oct 23, 2009, 1:16pm EDT
yes i think its possible because of AI
DIANE D. Oct 23, 2009, 1:17pm EDT
Yes, I sure do.
Jessica S. Oct 23, 2009, 1:23pm EDT
I think it is possible, only because of the stupidity of some people. A robot could only do what it is programmed to do, but I'm sure someone will find it funny to program it to rebel, just to see what would happen. And thus opens Pandora's Box of the robot world.
Hollie ~TNR Works~ Oct 23, 2009, 1:37pm EDT
Yes, but hopefully I won't be around to see it.
J G Oct 23, 2009, 2:37pm EDT
No, it’s not at all possible for robots to rebel against humans.
tammie p. Oct 23, 2009, 2:53pm EDT
with modern technology advancing the way it is. i really do believe this is very possible. it could happen and i think sooner than later. i mean look at all the advancements that have come to be recently.
Victoria H. Oct 23, 2009, 8:12pm EDT
I suppose it is possible, but I doubt it.
Beth G. Oct 23, 2009, 10:47pm EDT
Certainly, it depends on how human the characterstics we give it.
Debra M. Oct 23, 2009, 11:34pm EDT
I certainly hope not, but anything could happen. Only Man is stupid enough to think they are too important to reproduce, for example! So, at some point, our knowledge will outstrip our common sense, and we will build robots that will find us stupid and dispensable.
Trish A. Oct 24, 2009, 1:20am EDT
I think it is quite possible. Who would have thought years ago that what we saw on Star Trek would actually exist.
Carol M. Oct 24, 2009, 4:55am EDT
Anything can happen - I wouldn't totally rule out the possibility.
Kim Hilbert Oct 24, 2009, 3:12pm EDT
Perhaps not robots, but my computer already is. So, it is possible but not as probable seeing how they need someone to think outside their box and create better. Human ingenuity will always triumph.
Phoenix A. Oct 24, 2009, 9:13pm EDT
I think if the computers are programed well enough anything can happen.
Nurse Nancy S. Oct 24, 2009, 10:03pm EDT
No...a computer is only as smart as those who enter the information.
Brad D. Oct 24, 2009, 10:06pm EDT
I'm sure that at some point robots will be programmed with some sort of ability to reason, if even on a simplistic level. If that happens, then it could be possible.
rut h Oct 25, 2009, 10:19am EDT
Yes....and its happening now in ca. ...............Our governor...........LOL
Dave L. Oct 25, 2009, 11:22am EDT
Yes. As we continue to make progress in endowing computers with artificial intelligence, it stands to reason at some point they will start to think for themselves. It seems like fantastic science fiction, but then not too long ago, so did cell phones, computers and an orbiting space station.
brittany c. Oct 25, 2009, 3:19pm EDT
Yes. I think anything is possible and with how well advanced technology is becoming day after day, I think it is not a far fetched possibility.
Julie F. Oct 25, 2009, 5:22pm EDT
I believe that it's possible, it all depends on how they are programmed. As scientists try to make them more human-like, they will have to put in the good and the bad. Hopefully, they maintain the laws of robotics.
Gaye M. Oct 25, 2009, 8:37pm EDT
No, I don't think that's possible.
Erma Hurtt Oct 26, 2009, 6:19am EDT
Yes, I think so.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
bob k. Oct 26, 2009, 7:51am EDT
Anything's possible, I don't think it is probable.
Nick H. Oct 26, 2009, 11:32am