Empathy In Blade Runner

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Throughout the film, certain characters undergo what is called, The Voight-Kampff empathy test. The test is probably as valid a test as there is ever going to be, because unlike our initial assumption it is testing for something beyond intelligence; but which is still a form of intelligent thought. What the test really discloses about the subject is their ability to demonstrate a reciprocal concern for other life. One question is concerning the Replicant’s well-being and one asks from the Replicants in return, to show concern for the lives of others. Using characters as springboards for thematic content, the theme of empathy permeates throughout the film.
In America during the 1980s massive leaps in technological development were occurring, …show more content…
In the film, ‘Replicants’ are genetically designed to appear perfectly human, with additional abilities that surpass average human potential. They are faster, stronger and smarter than their human blueprints, able to perform tasks deemed too strenuous and or inferior for human life. In science fiction the ultimate sign of ‘human’ is the expression of emotions and feelings, while the ‘Replicants’ have realistic human qualities it was not programmed that they would begin to acquire real emotional consciousness. Throughout the film as we follow Deckard on his contract to ‘retire’ these Replicants, he becomes progressively dehumanised as a result. As the line between Replicants and real humans becomes increasingly blurred, Deckard continues to ask himself if he is a Replicant while the Replicants appear to develop more ‘human’ emotions and consciousness. Finally Deckard must question what he is doing, and what the essential difference between him and them? And who is he if there is no real difference? Regarding the ideas of the amalgamation of man and machine philosophical researcher Douglas E. Williams states the following in a short interpretation of the

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