Assignment: Discuss

the Technological,
Environmental and
Ethical issues in the
Dystopian context of
Blade Runner
In the dystopian world of Blade Runner, we delve into the complex interplay
between technology, the environment, and ethical considerations. Let's explore
these captivating themes.
Discuss what different issues in these contexts:

Environment: What are the current environmental problems? Do you

think they will improve or get worse and how?

Technology: : What are the current technological problems? Do you think

they will improve or get worse and how?

Ethical/Political/Social: : What are the current Ethical/Political/Social

problems? Do you think they will improve or get worse and how?
Technological Advancements in
Blade Runner
1 Replicants and Their
Implications
Replicants, artificial beings created to
serve humans, raise profound questions
about sentience, free will, and the nature
of humanity.
2 Artificial Intelligence
and Its Role
The presence of advanced AI systems,
such as the Voight-Kampff test,
challenges our perception of what it
means to be human and explores the
boundaries of consciousness.

3 Genetic Engineering and Human Enhancement

In this dystopian future, genetic engineering has given rise to an era where humans can be
modified, blurring the line between natural and artificial.
Environmental Issues in Blade Runner
1 Overpopulation and Pollution
The unchecked growth of the population has led to overcrowded cities, rampant pollution, and a
deteriorating quality of life for many.

2 Loss of Natural Resources

The insatiable appetite for resources has resulted in the exploitation and depletion of Earth's
natural treasures, leaving the planet barren and impoverished.

3 Impact on Ecosystems and Biodiversity

The destruction of natural habitats and ecosystems has caused a devastating loss of biodiversity,
tipping the delicate balance of nature towards irreversible consequences.
Ethical Dilemmas in Blade Runner
The Value and Rights
of Replicants
Should replicants, who possess
emotions and individual
experiences, be granted the same
rights as humans, or are they mere
property to be exploited?
Questioning Humanity
and Identity
As replicants grapple with their
own existence and search for
meaning, humans are forced to
confront their own vulnerabilities
and examine what truly makes us
human.
Moral Responsibilities
of Creators and Users
Blade Runner challenges us to
reflect on the ethical obligations
of those who create and use
technology and confront the
consequences of their actions.
o What if you found out that your best friend was really an android (a
human looking robot) after all these years? Would you still want to
be their friend? How would them being an android change your
relationship? How would you feel knowing that there are most likely
more androids roaming your school, your town, the world?
o Write 7-10 sentences in response to these questions.
oWhat if you found out that your best friend was really an
android (a human looking robot) after all these years?
Would you still want to be their friend? How would them
being an android change your relationship? How would
you feel knowing that there are most likely more androids
roaming your school, your town, the world?
oWrite 7-10 sentences in response to these questions.
Impact of Blade Runner
Inspiring Cinematic Vision
Blade Runner's atmospheric visuals and
thought-provoking themes have left an
indelible mark on science fiction,
influencing countless movies and
filmmakers.
Provoking Ethical Discussions
The intricate ethical dilemmas and
philosophical questions posed by the film
continue to ignite debates about the
implications of technological advancement
in our own society.

Pushing Technological Boundaries

The futuristic technologies envisioned in Blade Runner have inspired real-world innovations,
driving scientists and engineers to explore the potential of AI, genetic engineering, and more.
Lessons from Blade Runner
1 Environmental Stewardship
The film serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the urgent need to protect our
environment, conserve resources, and preserve Earth's delicate ecosystems.

2 Moral Reflection
Blade Runner prompts us to examine our own moral compass, emphasizing the importance
of empathy, compassion, and respecting the rights and dignity of all living beings.

3 The Power of Human Connection

In a world dominated by isolation and detachment, Blade Runner emphasizes the
significance of human connection, highlighting that our shared experiences and emotions
make us truly alive.
The Future of Technology and Society
Technological Utopia
or Dystopia?
Blade Runner forces us to
confront the potential
consequences of technological
advancement and consider the
paths we choose for our future.
Cultivating
Responsibility and
Humanity
We have the power to shape a
future where technological
progress is accompanied by ethical
considerations, environmental
stewardship, and the preservation
of our shared humanity.
Unleashing Human
Potential
Through thoughtful innovation,
we can harness technology in
ways that empower individuals
and foster a more sustainable,
inclusive, and equitable society.
Conclusion
Blade Runner's portrayal of technological, environmental, and ethical issues serves as a mirror, reflecting our own
fears and aspirations. Let us learn from these lessons as we navigate the complex landscape of the future.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a 1968 science-fiction novel by American author Philip K. Dick. With this novel, students explore questions about humanity, empathy, and truth as they
follow a bounty hunter tasked with executing six androids. Some students may be familiar with this novel, as it was loosely adapted into the Ridley Scott film Blade Runner. The following
discussion questions can help your students explore the plot and themes of the novel in greater depth.
Questions about Plot and Characters
•Who is the main protagonist of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, and how are we first introduced to him? What was your first impression of Deckard? How does this introduction to the
character help us understand him, the world of the story, and the moral issues at stake?
•How are we introduced to the fact that androids are part of this world? What are the first things we learn about androids? How does this introduce moral and practical stakes to the story?
What do you think a society with life-like androids would be like? How does the author compare the human androids to animal robots? What does the presence of animal robots tell us about
people in this society?
•In one sentence, describe the plot of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. What is this novel about? How is the plot set in motion? What is each major character trying to achieve?
•Describe Rick Deckard. Describe the six androids that Deckard encounters. How are they presented as being similar? How are they presented as being different? Which android does Deckard
encounter first? How does this meeting set up Deckard's expectations for the rest of the novel? How does this introduce the concept of empathy?
•What is the relationship like between Rachael and Deckard? How does the author make the audience believe there is truth to the characters' feelings for each other? How does the author cast
doubt on this? What do we learn about Rachael? Do you think she was acting out of emotion or programming? What's the difference? Where's the line? Why do you think Rachael kills the goat
that Deckard goat for Iran?
•Who is Mercer? What does Mercer represent in this novel? What does he mean to the people in this society? How does the concept of Mercerism influence the novel? How does this define
people's concepts of empathy? What do you think of this definition? How are the flaws in this exposed throughout the story? How is this complicated by Deckard's experiences in Oregon?
What do you think the author is trying to say?
Questions about Themes
•In your opinion, what are some of the major themes in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?? How are these themes established? How are they developed throughout the story? How do
different characters, settings, or events reflect these themes?
•How do emotions define characters in this novel? How does logic and reason impact characters? How do these themes interact? When do they compliment each other? When are they in
conflict?
•How did the world of this story come to be? What does this show us about people's anxieties in the 1960s? What were people afraid the future would be like? Now that the original date of the
story has passed, was Philip K. Dick's vision of the future correct? Are we having any of the moral or practical conversations in this book today, even if in less extreme terms?
•How does Philip K. Dick explore questions about humanity in this novel? What did this mean to you as you read the story? Where was the line between androids and humans? How do each
display different kinds of programming? How do people in this novel define the concept of being human? What do you think about this? What makes us human?