nexus-6-androids
The Nexus-6 androids possess highly advanced brains with two trillion constituents and ten million neural pathways, making them intellectually superior to many humans but lacking empathy.
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.
Rick Deckard prepares to take over the bounty hunting assignment from Dave Holden, who was killed by a Nexus-6 android named Max Polokov. Inspector Bryant advises Rick to test a sample of Nexus-6 androids from the Rosen Association in Seattle using the Voigt-Kampff test, while cautioning about the test's limitations, especially regarding certain humans with diminished affect who might fail the test. At the Rosen Association, Rick encounters Rachael Rosen and observes their collection of rare, living animals, which contrasts with his own electric animal and prompts reflection on the nature of artificial life and authenticity.