Description

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) by Philip K. Dick is a seminal science fiction novel that explores themes of identity, empathy, and the nature of reality. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where Earth has been ravaged by nuclear war, the story follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with “retiring” rogue androids who have escaped to Earth. These androids, nearly indistinguishable from humans, challenge the very definition of what it means to be alive.

The novel delves into the moral dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence and humanity’s reliance on technology. The Voigt-Kampff test, designed to measure empathy, is used to differentiate humans from androids, highlighting empathy as the defining human trait. However, as Deckard encounters advanced androids, the line between man and machine blurs, forcing him to question his own morality.

Additionally, the book explores the societal obsession with owning real animals as a status symbol, contrasting artificial life with biological existence. The dystopian world is both bleak and thought-provoking, making the novel a profound commentary on human nature. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? remains a classic, inspiring adaptations like Blade Runner and influencing the cyberpunk genre.