Say What?

Perhaps the word "Android" is the one we all should/could use instead. From what little else I have experienced in sci-fi, the term "Robot" is synonymous with an autonomous, programmed mechanical device. For example, a washing machine is a robot. It performs a limited task without interfacing beyond initiation (on-off) with its operator. A robot (washing machine) doesn't analyse, calculate or comprehend. It performs nothing else but it's designed-for task. It cannot adjust itself or intuit when something goes wrong. An android is capable of executing quite a number of human characteristics, but doesn't have emotions or other distractions to it's function. What say you?

I agree with your distinctions, but are you absolutely certain that David has no emotional life? I'm not. In fact, I don't think that's something we're even [i]supposed[/i] to be certain of.

I'm not absolute in my opinion that David (or any android- such as Star Trek's Data) is without any kind of emotion. Aside from (perhaps) requiring that an android is not a robot, emotions and behavior of androids are often strange. They are; as I have observed, distinctly non-spontaneous (without outbursts), highly predictable (logical) and very reserved (without moodiness- aka poker-faced). The best example that I can think of at this time regarding David displaying the behavior/emotions I've mentioned above takes place during the conversation between David and Holloway at the pool table. It presented itself to me as follows: David was obviously pre-disposed to entrap Holloway with a loaded question to begin with. This evidently was because of Holloway's previous behavior toward him. I have this opinion because David snatched up a glass while careful to avoid contaminating it before the conversation began. David then dryly affirmed that Holloway was still a prick, therefore relieving himself of both doubt and guilt. Only then did he propose a toast and dose the glass. This sordid and cunning behavior was certainly a calculated and controlled display of emotion. My take is that this particular scene was a set up for David's later behavior- That also displayed premeditated, highly predictable and very reserved emotion. If the expedition was using a "robot"- it would have solely translated the writing on the wall (assuming it was programmed by the same technology that taught David). The team (and the viewers) would then know exactly what it said. But it was David who was asked... David; not being a robot, was enabled to answer however he "wanted" as well as react to whatever actions the others might unknowingly take.

"..The team (and the viewers) would then know exactly what it said.." Th more we see David doing on this trip..the more we want him to do..right away..as fast as his brain processing can go.. It would have been a different(and understandable) response if he said he was working on the trranslation and would have the final decipher ready in 20 minutes .....