In 2001: A Space Odyssey, why does HAL announce that the AE-35 unit is faulty BEFORE being threatened?

Question

Is it an error on his part? if so, then his behavior is unjustified.

Also, if Bowman's arrival at Japetus was critical to the mission why did HAL attempt to kill him, if he was so dedicated to its fulfillment

Answer 1

HALs logic was kinda messed up. Because he is "perfect" anyone human would only ruin the mission, in an effort to ensure no lesser being ruined the mission, HAL started a plot to eliminate the others early on.