Beatrice Lang
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a 1968 science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick. It is set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, where Earth's life has been greatly damaged by a nuclear global war. The novel explores the ethical dimensions of androids and the implications of combining human emotions and technology. It follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who has to retire (i.e. kill) six escaped Nexus-6 model androids, and John Isidore, a man of subpar IQ who aids the fugitive androids. The novel served as the basis for the 1982 film Blade Runner and its 2017 sequel Blade Runner 2049, which retained many themes of the novel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Publication | 1968 |
| Author | Philip K. Dick |
| Genre | Science Fiction |
| Setting | Post-apocalyptic San Francisco |
| Main Character | Rick Deckard |
| Secondary Character | John R. Isidore |
| Plot | Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter, has to "retire" (i.e. kill) six escaped Nexus-6 model androids |
| Themes | Empathy, Machine Intelligence, Human Existence, Chaos, Entropy |
| Film Adaptations | Blade Runner (1982), Blade Runner: 2049 (2017) |
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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
Empathy and machine intelligence
As AI systems become increasingly integrated into our lives, the question of whether we should bring empathy into these systems has become a topic of ethical debate. AI systems with empathy, or artificial empathy, are those that can detect emotions and respond to them in an empathic way.
Artificial empathy can be understood as the coding of empathy into machines. It is personal, situational, and based on the appropriate intentions. There are three parts of empathy: cognitive empathy, which is understanding another person's frame of reference; affective empathy, which is the capacity to respond with the appropriate emotion; and somatic empathy, which is the physical reaction associated with the empathy process.
Artificial empathy has been applied in various fields, including business and healthcare. In business, artificial empathy can be used to optimize video advertisements and make recruitment decisions. In the healthcare sector, AI systems with artificial empathy can augment various facets of therapy and provide support for mental health. For example, an AI system could provide psychoeducation and exercises, or it could predict and help prevent suicide attempts.
However, there are also concerns about the use of artificial empathy. Some proponents suggest that putting human emotions into AI could be a slippery slope. Additionally, while AI systems can provide support, they cannot replace the need for human connection and empathy in certain situations.
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Post-apocalyptic religion
In the post-apocalyptic world of "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?", religion takes on new forms and meanings. The novel, set in a future where Earth's life has been devastated by nuclear war, explores the role of religion and faith in a world where humanity is struggling to survive.
One of the novel's key religious themes is Mercerism, a pervasive belief system that binds humanity together. Mercerism centres on a messianic figure, Wilbur Mercer, who is endlessly depicted climbing a hill while being struck by crashing stones. People participate in this shared experience through "empathy boxes", devices that allow them to connect with Mercer and with each other. This collective empathy becomes a source of spiritual connection and community in a world lacking both. Mercerism can be seen as a form of escapism from the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world, providing comfort and a sense of shared purpose.
The validity of religion in the novel is not based on literal truth but on its ability to inspire empathy and provide solace. This is evident in the character of Rick Deckard, who continues to find meaning in Mercerism even after its potential fabrication is exposed. Deckard's relationship with his electric sheep also highlights the novel's exploration of empathy and connection. In a world where owning a real animal has become a status symbol, Deckard's dissatisfaction with his electric sheep reflects his search for genuine emotional connection.
The novel also comments on the relationship between religion and consumerism. In a world where resources are scarce, owning a real animal becomes a sign of economic and social status. This dynamic reflects the consumerist nature of society, where individuals seek to elevate their social standing through the acquisition of desirable goods.
"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" invites readers to consider the role of religion in a post-apocalyptic context, exploring themes of empathy, community, and the human condition in a world struggling to survive.
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Nature of humanity
The novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick explores the nature of humanity through the lens of a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world. The story is set in a dystopian San Francisco following a global nuclear war that has rendered most animal species extinct and driven humans to off-world colonies. In this world, the ownership of real animals has become a sign of wealth and social standing, while the less fortunate settle for electric robotic imitations.
The novel's protagonist, Rick Deckard, is tasked with "retiring" (killing) a group of fugitive androids, specifically the advanced Nexus-6 models, which have developed complex emotions and thinking abilities. As Deckard interacts with these androids, he grapples with moral dilemmas and questions his understanding of what it means to be human. The Voigt-Kampff test, used to differentiate between humans and androids, challenges the notion that biological structures alone define humanity.
The androids' ability to exhibit emotions and form relationships blurs the lines between human and machine, sparking debates about consciousness, moral responsibility, and the essence of life. This exploration of empathy, both human and machine, is a central theme in the novel. It prompts readers to reflect on their experiences with technology and the nature of reality, urging a redefinition of what it means to be truly alive.
The electric sheep in the novel symbolize artificiality and the quest for connection in a desolate society. They represent the characters' desires and emotional needs, highlighting their yearning for authenticity and genuine connections amidst environmental destruction and technological advancement. The preference for electric animals over real ones reflects humanity's growing detachment from nature and authentic relationships.
Through the exploration of these themes, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" invites readers to confront their understanding of humanity and its relationship with technology. It raises philosophical questions about existence, consciousness, and identity, encouraging a deeper reflection on the nature of life and the role of artificial intelligence in our world.
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Androids vs. humans
In 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?', the androids are more human than the human protagonist. They are a mirror held up to human action, contrasted with a culture losing its humanity. The androids are supposed to lack empathy, but this is questionable, as humans also often lack empathy. For example, the way Isidore is treated by other humans doesn't show much empathy towards him. He is called a "chickenhead" by his boss and Deckard, and he lives in an entire apartment building by himself. On the other hand, the escaped androids seem to stick together and rely on each other.
The novel explores the alienation of humans from their authentic selves. Deckard, a bounty hunter, is assigned to "retire" (kill) six defiant and violent androids of the new Nexus-6 model, which have escaped from Mars and travelled to Earth. In his role, Deckard grapples with the artificiality of the distinctions that have been used in American culture to exclude animals and "animalised" humans from ethical consideration. The central role of animals in the novel and the issues of species being that they raise show the need to struggle for a different way of being in the world.
The novel also reflects on the increasing sentience of technology and the environment, which is becoming "quasi-alive". This is reflected in the setting, which is described as dystopian and polluted, with technology such as robots and artificial constructs becoming increasingly prevalent. The novel can be seen as a "bildungsroman of the cybernetic age", exploring the impact of technology on our understanding of "life" and our relationships with machines.
The novel has had a significant influence on science fiction, particularly the cyberpunk genre, and has also influenced other art forms such as film and music. The 1982 film adaptation, 'Blade Runner', directed by Ridley Scott, has contributed to its enduring popularity and impact.
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Film adaptations
The 1968 science fiction novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick has seen various film adaptations over the years. The novel tells the story of Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who tracks down almost-human androids in a post-apocalyptic future San Francisco.
The first and most notable film adaptation is the 1982 cult classic "Blade Runner", directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford. The film is based on the novel but features several differences, including the setting (Los Angeles in 2019 instead of San Francisco in 1992), the absence of certain novel elements like Mercerism and the Penfield Mood Organ, and the depiction of Deckard as divorced instead of married. "Blade Runner" has since spawned a franchise, including a sequel, "Blade Runner 2049", released in 2017, which explores similar themes to the novel.
In addition to the cinematic adaptations, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" has also inspired a stage play, a radio drama, and a comic book series. The comic book series, published by BOOM! Studios, is particularly notable for containing the full text of the novel, accompanied by illustrations by artist Tony Parker. It was nominated for "Best New Series" at the 2010 Eisner Awards.
The novel has also had an impact on other films and television shows, with references and nods appearing in various media. For example, the title of the fourth episode of the third season of the American science fiction series "Fringe" is called "Do Shapeshifters Dream of Electric Sheep?", and the Japanese comedy anime "Shimoneta: A Boring World Where The Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Exist" also makes a nod to the title in the name of its ninth episode, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Masseurs".
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Frequently asked questions
'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' is a 1968 science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick. It is set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, where Earth's life has been greatly damaged by a nuclear global war.
The novel follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who has to "retire" (i.e. kill) six escaped Nexus-6 model androids. A secondary plot follows John Isidore, a man of sub-par IQ who aids the fugitive androids.
The novel explores themes such as empathy, machine intelligence, the nature of chaos and entropy, and the interaction of humans with an alien race. It also raises questions about what it means to be human and the value of life.
Dick has cited reading the diaries of Gestapo officers while researching his novel 'The Man in the High Castle' as an inspiration for 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?'. He was also influenced by author Theodore Sturgeon's novel 'More Than Human'.
The novel has been adapted into films, including Blade Runner (1982) and its sequel Blade Runner 2049 (2017). It has also been adapted into a comic book series, a stage play, and a radio drama.
