Discuss the meaning and need for human life. Are humans replaceable? Is there something humans offer over machines?

Discuss the state of the world in the novel. Is colonization of other planets the best option to save the population? Or is a more Medievalist approach the answer?

Discuss Lije's relationship with Daneel and how it changes throughout the story. What precipitates these changes? Are they positive?

Discuss the story's version of Earth and its dependency on conditioned air and processed foods. What do you think influenced this drastic way of living?

Discuss Julius Enderby's motives with getting Lije involved in the murder investigation. What do you think Enderby hoped to accomplish?

Discuss Lije's relationship with Jessie. Is it a healthy marriage? Should Lije, being a policeman, have detected Jessie's whereabaouts earlier?

Discuss the future of the people on Earth. What does the future hold...