Full Idea
Lack of motivation and curiosity are perhaps the most fundamental reason for denying that computers could be, in any literal sense, rational beings.
Gist of Idea
Computers can't be rational, because they lack motivation and curiosity
Source
E.J. Lowe (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2000], Ch. 9)
Book Reference
Lowe,E.J.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [CUP 2000], p.230
A Reaction
I don't see why programmers couldn't move those two priorities to the top of the list in the program. When you switch on a robot, its first words could be 'Teach me something!', or 'Let's do something interesting!' Every piece of software has priorities.