Asimov vs. Dick

Question: In what way do Dick and Asimov differ in their ideas towards technology and robots?

Topic: Dick and Asimov both create a world in which technology and robots play a central role. Although Asimov has a more favorable view of robots and how they can best serve society, Dick uses deceit and creates something that can control humans rather then aid them.

Thesis: Both Dick and Asimov create a society where the use of technology is very pertinent; In Asimov’s world robots are created to assist humans and act as companions, where as in Dick’s dystopia, mood organs are the dominating factor in society.

First Body: Asimov

-Asimov creates a futuristic world in which robots will become an important part of society, having the ability to care for children and morph into the characteristics of a human.

Second Body: Dick

Dick uses an omniscience tone throughout, Do androids dream of electric sheep, conveying a society that is controlled by mood organs and conveys a pessimistic civilization where all aspects revolve around technology.

Third Body: Parallels 

Both Dick and Asimov’s story lines follow the function of technology within society and show a futuristic world where humans and life do not function as they were created to.  

Rick vs. Iran

What is the difference between Rick and Iran's feelings toward the ability to control one's emotions?

In "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" most of society controls their emotions through a Penfield wave transmitter, which is a device that can control one's mood. Rick has adjusted and sees the use of the Penfield wave transmitter as normal, however his wife Iran has moral issues with it. When Iran alludes to the fact that she scheduled a six hour self-accusatory depression because she senses the absence of life, Rick strongly opposes, suggesting that she should dial in to make her feel better. Rick suggests changing the dials so Iran can have “pleased acknowledgement of husband’s superior wisdom in all matters.” Ricks demeaning tone towards Iran further shows how he views feelings as non-exsistant since he can automatically decide what he wants to feel. Irans want for the ability to not have technology decide how one should feel but rather have your heart and emotions control them, directly opposes Rick's satisfaction in being able to tell his body what he wants rather then living life as it comes, and having to deal with the obstacles and struggles. 

Are we humans or are we androids?

"Nothing could be more impolite. To say, 'is your sheep genuine?' would be a worse breach of manners than to inquire whether a citizen's teeth, hair, or internal organs would test out authentic." (Dick 8)

            The author illustrates a future in which social customs have been completely altered. Although the androids are controlled by altering the setting on their dials, and not by authentic feelings, they still succumb to a materialistic behavior which parallels to that of humans. Since real animals have become scarce, an animals authenticity is a direct display of an owners economic standing. The dystopia created emphasizes the importance of wealth. There is an apparent irony of the disparity of wealth prevalent in the 1960's when the novel was published and the economic issues conveyed in the novel. Ultimately, the animals are the direct personification of Dick's concern over economic issues that he believes will still permeate society in the year 2021. 

Outside Novel + Course Feedback

I will be reading "The Hunger Games" for my outside science fiction novel!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Tsj_wTJk

I've really liked this course so far! I enjoy how we all interact and have discussions in class versus just reading. I also like how you are prepping us for college level classes while also keeping the class fun and interesting. Even though the blogs and weebly get complicated sometimes, I really enjoy the use of technology and being able to make the blog page personal instead of just handing in a typed up essay.

Why should Science Fiction not be referred to as a genre?

Works of Science Fiction cannot be grouped into a singular genre because it does not address the many hybrid versions.  Science Fiction is a global phenomenon that is constantly changing and evolving as technology does. Science Fiction encompasses the genre's of science, romance, and prophecy, however cannot be categorized as one. Science Fiction covers a wide array of media, from books and stories to movies and television. Viewing Science Fiction as a category in which different genre's combine and intersect, better conveys the eclectic mix of pieces of work that fall under Science Fictions category. In "A Very Short Introduction",  Seed looks at the emergence of Science Fiction and examines the way in which technology has affected the human's perception of the world. "A very Short Introduction" shows the different genres and themes within the overarching category of Science Fiction, such as the concept of aliens, the  role of technology in relationship to time and the ideas of utopias and dystopias. 

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/top_100_science_fiction__fantasy_movies/?category=14

http://www.infoworld.com/article/2606741/computer-hardware/146149-Science-vs.-fiction-15-sci-fi-technologies-that-are-almost-here.html

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