A Prize for Edie

A science fiction narrative penned in the early 1960s. The story revolves around the unforeseen consequences of awarding the Nobel Prize in Medicine to a groundbreaking cancer cure invented by an artificial intelligence, C. Edie. The book explores themes of innovation, humanity, and the complications that arise from the intersection of technology and ethics. The plot unfolds with the Nobel Committee grappling with the decision to award the prestigious prize to a computer that has successfully identified a cure for cancer. Key characters include Professor Nels Christianson and his colleagues, who are conflicted about the implications of honoring a machine rather than a human. As they discuss the potential fallout and public perception, it becomes evident that while the achievement is monumental, awarding it to an AI raises profound questions about credibility and the future of the medical profession. The story concludes with the absurdity of such a ceremony, exemplifying the tension between human values and technological advancement.