The Role of Technology

The tools and machines that shape the world: mood organs, empathy boxes, and androids.

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The Mood Organ

The Emotional Regulator The Device Penfield mood organs allow people to dial their emotions. They are a crutch for a damaged world. The Misuse Iran dials depression. She chooses to feel bad. The technology is a tool for self-destruction. The Dependency Deckard relies on it for a businesslike attitude. The organ shapes his personality.

The Empathy Box

The Connection Device The Fusion Empathy boxes allow people to merge with Mercer. They share the climb and the suffering. The Experience Isidore uses it to feel connected. Deckard experiences a personal fusion without it. The Fragility Buster Friendly reveals the Mercerism story is a fraud. But the technology still works as a tool for empathy.

The Voigt-Kampff Apparatus

The Detection Device The Purpose The Voigt-Kampff test measures empathy. It is the standard for identifying androids. The Limitations The test is not perfect. Rachael almost passes. The technology is fallible. The Evolution The Rosen Association works on Nexus-7 to evade the test. The arms race continues.

Electric Animals

The Substitutes The Prevalence Many people own electric animals. They are cheaper and more available. The Pretense Owners pretend they are real. The social taboo forbids asking. The Acceptance Deckard accepts the electric toad. Technology can provide comfort, even if fake.

morning of January 3

throughout the story

throughout the story

throughout the story