What is the second law of Asimov's robotics as listed?

• A. A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law
• B. A robot may not injure a human being
• C. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws
• D. A robot must try to maximize efficiency at all times

Answer: (A)

The second law says a robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. In other words, human command is the default rule, but safety for people takes precedence over following orders. This creates a clear hierarchy: robots follow humans unless obeying would cause harm to a person, in which case they must refuse or seek an alternative that doesn’t violate the First Law.

To see how this fits with the other principles: the First Law requires not harming humans, so it overrides any command that would cause harm. The Third Law deals with self-preservation, but only as long as protecting the robot doesn’t conflict with preventing harm to humans or with obeying human orders. The option about maximizing efficiency isn’t part of these laws.

So the right understanding is that obedience to humans is the default, but never at the expense of human safety.