mercerism
A religion or philosophy emphasizing shared human experience and empathy, which serves as a moral framework against which androids are judged as 'killers' due to their lack of empathetic capacity.
2 chapters across 1 book
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968)Philip K. Dick
Rick Deckard contemplates the advanced capabilities of the new Nexus-6 androids following the shooting of fellow bounty hunter Dave Holden, highlighting the increasing difficulty in distinguishing androids from humans. He reflects on the nature of empathy as a uniquely human trait that androids lack, which justifies his role in 'retiring' them. The chapter also explores the social and economic significance of owning real versus artificial animals, exemplified by Deckard's interest in purchasing an expensive ostrich.
In this chapter, John Isidore interacts with the androids Pris and Irmgard Baty while a bounty hunter, Rick Deckard, arrives to retire the remaining androids. Deckard confronts a Rachael Rosen android disguised as a human and ultimately begins the process of eliminating the androids, reflecting on the emotional complexities involved. The chapter explores the tension between human and android identities, the role of Mercerism, and the moral ambiguities of Deckard's mission.