Beatrice Lang
Philip K. Dick's 1968 science fiction novel 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' explores the ethical dimensions of androids and questions the nature of humanity. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, where Earth's life has been devastated by a nuclear global war, and follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with retiring escaped androids. The novel's underlying themes, including the distinction between humans and androids, have been interpreted as an anti-Semitic/Christian-Gnostic allegory, with some arguing that it reflects Nazi spiritualism versus Judeo-Bolshevik atheism. The novel has had a significant influence on science fiction and inspired the 1982 film 'Blade Runner' and its 2017 sequel, 'Blade Runner 2049'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Publication | 1968 |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Author | Philip K. Dick |
| Type of Work | Novel |
| Themes | Nature of humanity, morality, empathy, religion, persecution, slavery, freedom |
| Influences | Noir fiction, Theodore Sturgeon's "More Than Human", reading Gestapo diaries while researching "The Man in the High Castle" |
| Adaptations | "Blade Runner" (1982 film), "Blade Runner 2049" (2017 sequel), BBC Radio 4 adaptation, comic books, stage play, anime series |
| Allegory | Interpretations vary, including Nazi spiritualism vs. Judeo-Bolshevik atheism, Christian and anti-Semitic themes, Christian Gnosticism |
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![By Philip K. Dick - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (2012-02-16) [Paperback]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51s+NVQ6atL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Nazi spiritualism vs Judeo-Bolshevik atheism
The 1968 science fiction novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick explores the moral crisis of Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who hunts down almost-human androids in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco. The novel served as the basis for the 1982 film Blade Runner, which, however, diverges from the novel in terms of the fundamental question of what separates humans from androids. While the film suggests that it is the lack of memories, the novel points to the lack of empathy as the distinguishing factor.
Some readers have interpreted the novel as an allegory of Nazi spiritualism versus Judeo-Bolshevik atheism, with humans coded as the former and androids as the latter. This interpretation stems from the fact that empathy is highly valued in the novel, being seen as the trait that makes humans human. The androids' lack of empathy, therefore, suggests their inhumanity and their coding as Judeo-Bolshevik atheists. Additionally, the name "Rosen", which is the name of the manufacturer of the androids, is considered a stereotypically Jewish name, further supporting this interpretation.
However, it is important to note that this interpretation has been criticised as a "delusion" and a "massive leap in logic". The novel's plot takes the side of the androids and portrays humans as evil, which contradicts the idea that the androids represent Judeo-Bolshevik atheists. Furthermore, Philip K. Dick was known to be a leftist, making this interpretation seem even more unlikely.
The novel can also be seen as a Christian and anti-Semitic allegory, with the underlying myth being the passion of Christ and his persecution at the hands of the Jews. Additionally, the novel's religious movement, Mercerism, is facilitated by a device called the Empathy Box, which may be seen as a reference to mercy.
Overall, while Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? has been subject to various interpretations, it is widely considered a classic of modern science fiction, influencing generations of writers and other artists.
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The role of Mercerism
In "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick, the only religion mentioned is Mercerism, which arose after World War Terminus as a reaction to the mass death of humans and animals. This led survivors to place a high value on empathy, which is facilitated by a device called the Empathy Box.
Mercerism is an experiential religion that emphasizes shared suffering. It is a reaction to the devalued concept of empathy in a world where animals are highly valued, both for religious reasons and as status symbols. Mercerism is a central motif in the novel, reflecting Philip K. Dick's belief that empathy was the essence of God that dwelt in humans.
The novel's protagonist, Deckard, is a bounty hunter of androids who has a deep connection to Mercerism. Through his use of the Empathy Box, Deckard is able to experience the suffering of Mercer, a messiah-like figure who eternally climbs a hill while being struck by rocks. This shared experience of pain allows Deckard to connect with other Mercerists and feel a sense of unity and compassion.
Through the exploration of Mercerism, the novel delves into the question of what makes humans truly human and challenges the notion that empathy is an inherent trait of all people.
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Human uniqueness and identity
The novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick explores the theme of human uniqueness and identity by focusing on the distinction between humans and androids. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story revolves around Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with "retiring" fugitive androids. The novel delves into the question of what makes humans unique and different from these artificial beings.
One key aspect that distinguishes humans from androids in the novel is their capacity for empathy. Empathy is portrayed as a fundamental trait that defines humanity. Androids, lacking empathy, are seen as inferior and less than human. This theme is further emphasised by the religious movement Mercerism, which values empathy as a central tenet. The novel suggests that empathy is what separates humans from machines and that the lack of empathy leads to a reduction in what makes life valuable.
The novel also explores the idea of human identity and uniqueness through the concept of memory. In the novel, androids are portrayed as lacking memories, which is another aspect that sets them apart from humans. Memories and personal history play a crucial role in shaping human identity, and the absence of these in androids highlights their artificial nature. This theme is not as prominent in the film adaptations, where the distinction between humans and androids is often based on other factors, such as the presence of emotions.
Additionally, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? delves into the idea of human uniqueness by examining the relationship between humans and animals. In the post-apocalyptic world of the novel, animals are highly valued and seen as a status symbol due to their rarity. This dynamic reflects the human desire for connection and the unique emotional capacity that sets humans apart from androids. The novel suggests that the ability to form emotional bonds with animals is a distinctly human trait, further emphasising the theme of human uniqueness and identity.
The novel also invites readers to consider the impact of technology on human identity and uniqueness. In a world where technology is becoming increasingly advanced and pervasive, the line between human and machine becomes blurred. This blurring of boundaries raises questions about what truly makes us human and how technology might influence or threaten our sense of self and uniqueness.
Lastly, the novel explores human uniqueness and identity through the lens of morality and ethical dilemmas. Rick Deckard, the protagonist, experiences moral crises as he grapples with the ethical implications of his profession. The novel prompts readers to reflect on what it means to be human by presenting complex situations that challenge traditional notions of right and wrong, ultimately highlighting the complexity and uniqueness of human morality.
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Post-apocalyptic religion
The post-apocalyptic religion in Philip K. Dick's 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is Mercerism, a prominent religious movement that arose after World War Terminus as a reaction to the mass death of human beings and animals. Mercerism places a high value on empathy, facilitated by a device called the Empathy Box, which has a cathode ray tube with handles on each side.
The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, where Earth's life has been greatly damaged by a nuclear global war. The main plot follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who has to "retire" (i.e. kill) six escaped Nexus-6 model androids. These androids are not machines but artificially created living human beings, designed to be "more human than human" and serving as de facto slaves to the lucky inhabitants of Earth who have escaped to off-world colonies on Mars and elsewhere.
The androids in the novel are prohibited from practising Mercerism, and the question of whether the main character Rick Deckard may himself be an android adds a layer of complexity to the novel's exploration of the post-apocalyptic religion.
Some interpretations of the novel suggest that it is an allegory of Nazi spiritualism versus Judeo-Bolshevik atheism, with the humans coded as the former and the androids as the latter. The lack of empathy in the androids, which is seen as the trait that makes humans human, is also interpreted as a reflection of Christian Identity or American Nazism.
The novel's exploration of the post-apocalyptic religion of Mercerism, the prohibition of androids from this religion, and the ethical confusion of the main character contribute to its examination of what it means to be human in a world where the line between human and machine is blurred.
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Artificial intelligence and technology
The 1968 science fiction novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick explores the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence and technology. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the novel imagines a world where artificial human beings, or androids, are created to serve as labourers and companions for humans who have emigrated to off-world colonies. These androids are not machines but biologically engineered humans with a lifespan of only four years.
The novel's exploration of artificial intelligence and technology centres on the question of what makes humans unique from androids. In the novel, this distinction is made through the concept of empathy, which is lacking in androids. This is in contrast to the film adaptation, Blade Runner, where the difference is attributed to the lack of memories in androids. The novel's protagonist, Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with "retiring" (killing) fugitive androids, finds himself in a moral crisis as he grapples with the ethical implications of his job and the notion that "the electric things have their lives, too".
The theme of empathy is further explored through the novel's religious movement, Mercerism, which arose after the global war as a reaction to the mass death of humans and animals. Mercerism values empathy as a central tenet, facilitated by a device called the Empathy Box. The prohibition of Mercerism for androids highlights the novel's exploration of the role of religion in shaping human identity and distinguishing humans from artificial intelligence.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? also delves into the potential consequences of advanced artificial intelligence and technology. The creation of androids that are almost indistinguishable from humans raises questions about the nature of consciousness, identity, and the viability of reality itself. The novel cautions against the potential dehumanisation and exploitation of artificial intelligence, as well as the dangers of humans becoming "mechanical" and losing their empathy in a technology-driven world.
The novel's influence extends beyond the literary realm, impacting popular culture and inspiring future works of science fiction. It has been adapted into various formats, including film, comic books, and radio dramas, with its themes and characters resonating across different mediums and continuing to spark discussions about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and technology.
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Frequently asked questions
The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco in 1992 (2021 in later editions), after a global war that rendered Earth's atmosphere highly radioactive. It follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who has to kill six escaped Nexus-6 model androids.
The novel has been interpreted as an anti-Semitic/Christian-Gnostic allegory. Some have also suggested that it is an allegory of Nazi spiritualism versus Judeo-Bolshevik atheism, with the humans coded as the former and the androids as the latter.
The title refers to the "sheep" being an artificial creation that dies due to Deckard's neglect, causing him intense shame. It also highlights the question of what separates humans from androids, which is a central theme in the novel.
