The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast Episode 175: Blade Runner: Androids and Humanity (Part One)
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Oct 30, 2017 Dive into the exploration of humanity through the lens of androids in Philip K. Dick’s work. The hosts debate what truly makes us human, contrasting the emotional portrayals in the films with the empathy challenges in the novel. They delve into the Voigt-Kampff test, memory implants, and the role of servitude in shaping replicant identities. Additionally, they discuss deeper themes like Mercerism and the dynamics of affect and emotion, making you question the boundaries of personhood and empathy in both fiction and reality.
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Empathy Defines Humanity
- Philip K. Dick centers humanity on empathy rather than intelligence or consciousness.
- The novel makes empathy the decisive trait that Androids lack and humans must display.
Seth's Book-Then-Film Realization
- Seth watched 2049 then read Dick and felt both films miss key novel layers.
- He concluded all three works are flawed but suggestive in different ways.
Hosts Rush To Read The Book
- Mark made everyone read the novel quickly to ground the discussion in Dick's themes.
- He found the book evocative and richer than the films for exploring empathy and affect.
