"Do Androids dream of Sheep?" - The story that inspired Bladerunner

10 March 2023
"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" is a science fiction short story written by Philip K. Dick and first published in 1968. The story takes place in a dystopian future where humans have mostly left Earth due to radioactive dust, and those that remain keep pets to demonstrate their empathy and humanity. 

The story follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with "retiring" rogue androids that have escaped from their off-world colonies and returned to Earth illegally. The story explores themes of empathy, what it means to be human, and the nature of reality.

The short story was the basis for the 1982 science fiction film "Blade Runner," directed by Ridley Scott (Aliens) and starring Harrison Ford as Deckard. 

The film is widely regarded as a classic of the genre and has had a significant impact on popular culture. The film expands on the themes of the short story, adding elements such as the development of replicants (androids that are almost indistinguishable from humans) and exploring the ethics of creating artificial intelligence.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?


The implications of AI robots integrating into humankind are significant and complex. On the one hand, advanced AI robots could provide significant benefits to humanity, such as increased productivity and efficiency, improved healthcare, and greater safety. 

On the other hand, there are concerns about the potential risks of AI, such as job loss, ethical concerns related to the development of autonomous weapons, and the possibility of AI outpacing human intelligence.

The concept of empathy is central to both the short story and the film. In the story, the possession of a living animal is a sign of empathy and humanity, while in the film, the replicants are designed to develop emotions and empathy. The question of what it means to be human is also explored in both works, with the replicants in the film exhibiting human-like qualities such as emotions and desires. 

The development of AI robots that can exhibit empathy and other human-like qualities raises significant ethical questions about how we treat these machines and whether they deserve rights similar to those of humans.

Or should we only make R2D2 Astromech units?

Overall, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human in a world where artificial intelligence has become increasingly advanced. The story and its adaptation in "Blade Runner" continue to be relevant today as we grapple with the potential benefits and risks of AI and the implications of integrating these technologies into our daily lives.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

At The Astromech, you can expect to find a variety of articles, reviews, and analysis related to science fiction, including books, movies, TV, and games.
From exploring the latest news and theories to discussing the classics, I aim to provide entertaining and informative content for all fans of the genre.

Whether you are a die-hard Star Trek fan or simply curious about the world of science fiction, The Astromech has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey through the stars!
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