Question One
Externally, science fiction appears to illustrate futuristic technology and the wonders of robotics. However, science fiction includes this experimenting with technological innovation—creating alternative realities—to gain deeper insights into human nature. Humankind’s response to progress and scientific advancement reflect the society’s norms and values. From space travel to alterative universes, science fiction covers a variety of topics and situations that criticize the society’s treatment of those that do not meet the standards set by society. By exposing readers to alternative worlds, science fiction explores new possibilities for what it means to be human. Science fiction exemplifies the issue of how society treat’s the “Other” …show more content…
For example, within Isaac Asimov’s “Reason”, QT-1 possesses logical thinking, such as the Three Laws of Robotics that govern his actions and provide rationality to his decisions. By having this “moral compass” within his positronic brain, QT-1 proves to be more efficient than Donovan and Powell in controlling the space station. Asimov exemplifies that robots hold the capability of being more productive and useful than humans in terms of logic and reasoning. Additionally, androids mirror human behavior accurately enough that the android can deceive humans into believing in the robot’s humanity. Ex Machina, directed by Alex Garland, depicts this deceit when Ava seduces Caleb into helping her escape. By manipulating Caleb, Ava exhibits mature thought and surpasses human mental capabilities. In addition, Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner exhibits how replicants possess similar intelligence to that of humans; the replicants mirror human behavior closely enough that only the “Voight-Kampff” test can discern replicants from humans. By paralleling human’s rationality, robots prove capable of being human and possessing conscious …show more content…
Within Isaac Asimov’s Bicentennial Man, Andrew forms attachment and loves Little Miss and her family. Although Andrew does not completely understand empathy, he forms meaningful relationships and greatly cares for Little Miss family’s wellbeing. Additionally, Robert Heinlein’s The Moon is a Harsh Mistress illustrates Mike’s ability to express human affection. In the beginning of the novel, Mike appeared to only talk to Mannie to satiate his boredom; however, Mike builds strong relationships with Mannie, Wyoh, and the Prof. These feelings of attachment influence Mike to participate and organize the revolution—despite the revolution posing a threat to Mike’s own safety. Furthermore, not only Mike proves capable of expressing emotion, but also replicants. Rachel expresses feelings of love toward Deckard, when at the end of the movie Rachel and Deckard leave together. Additionally, Deckard discovering that he is a replicant further blurs the ability to discern replicants from humans. Throughout the movie, Deckard expresses emotion, such as love when he interacts with Rachel and frustration when searching for the escaped replicants. Blade Runner illuminates the idea that even the individual proves unable to discern whether or not himself is a replicant or human. This situation embodies the belief that robots and androids possess indistinguishable human
Externally, science fiction appears to illustrate futuristic technology and the wonders of robotics. However, science fiction includes this experimenting with technological innovation—creating alternative realities—to gain deeper insights into human nature. Humankind’s response to progress and scientific advancement reflect the society’s norms and values. From space travel to alterative universes, science fiction covers a variety of topics and situations that criticize the society’s treatment of those that do not meet the standards set by society. By exposing readers to alternative worlds, science fiction explores new possibilities for what it means to be human. Science fiction exemplifies the issue of how society treat’s the “Other” …show more content…
For example, within Isaac Asimov’s “Reason”, QT-1 possesses logical thinking, such as the Three Laws of Robotics that govern his actions and provide rationality to his decisions. By having this “moral compass” within his positronic brain, QT-1 proves to be more efficient than Donovan and Powell in controlling the space station. Asimov exemplifies that robots hold the capability of being more productive and useful than humans in terms of logic and reasoning. Additionally, androids mirror human behavior accurately enough that the android can deceive humans into believing in the robot’s humanity. Ex Machina, directed by Alex Garland, depicts this deceit when Ava seduces Caleb into helping her escape. By manipulating Caleb, Ava exhibits mature thought and surpasses human mental capabilities. In addition, Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner exhibits how replicants possess similar intelligence to that of humans; the replicants mirror human behavior closely enough that only the “Voight-Kampff” test can discern replicants from humans. By paralleling human’s rationality, robots prove capable of being human and possessing conscious …show more content…
Within Isaac Asimov’s Bicentennial Man, Andrew forms attachment and loves Little Miss and her family. Although Andrew does not completely understand empathy, he forms meaningful relationships and greatly cares for Little Miss family’s wellbeing. Additionally, Robert Heinlein’s The Moon is a Harsh Mistress illustrates Mike’s ability to express human affection. In the beginning of the novel, Mike appeared to only talk to Mannie to satiate his boredom; however, Mike builds strong relationships with Mannie, Wyoh, and the Prof. These feelings of attachment influence Mike to participate and organize the revolution—despite the revolution posing a threat to Mike’s own safety. Furthermore, not only Mike proves capable of expressing emotion, but also replicants. Rachel expresses feelings of love toward Deckard, when at the end of the movie Rachel and Deckard leave together. Additionally, Deckard discovering that he is a replicant further blurs the ability to discern replicants from humans. Throughout the movie, Deckard expresses emotion, such as love when he interacts with Rachel and frustration when searching for the escaped replicants. Blade Runner illuminates the idea that even the individual proves unable to discern whether or not himself is a replicant or human. This situation embodies the belief that robots and androids possess indistinguishable human