Irony behind the perceived future of Science and Tech. By: Lionell Loh, Lim Yi Fan, Chan Chin Kiat, Jonah Heng

What is Ironic in Blade Runner in view of science and technology? IN BLADE RUNNER o Perceive that they can control their inventions / creations o Perceive that they are superior to their inventions / creations o Perceive that emotions can be compromised when getting rid of problems that surface o Perceive that inventions / creations will not have rebellious feelings and fight for their interests

What is ironic in Blade Runner in view of science and technology IN BLADE RUNNER Reality: Inventions are difficult to control, and many go out of hand. Reality: Inventions have superior abilities Reality: Emotions were brought in when getting rid of replicans existing on Earth. Reality: Replicans rebelled

Reasons to support stated perceptions IN BLADE RUNNER 1.Evidence: replicans start to think independently and rebel against their human creators 2.Evidence: replicans have the ability to kill humans, almost killed Deckard 3.Evidence: Deckard had pitiful / love feelings for Rachel, who was kind, and was determined to protect her 4.Evidence: Symbolic event – Lucas killed his creator in Tyril Corporation, in a the quest for immortality / extended life

Assumptions being made GENERAL People assume that science and technology will only improve for the better but do not see the adverse effects and the slant which science and technology could veer towards due to unethical inventions. It is assumed that science and technology only brings more convenience for things in life, but it can bring burdens too. An example is the responsibility required in the cyber world

Assumptions GENERAL ASSUMPTIONS It is assumed that in nature, science and technology is supposed to improve living It is assumed that humans are unable control the science and technology that has been harnessed (According to Bladerunner)

Assumptions ALTERNATE SITUATION It is assumed that in nature, science and technology is supposed to improve living With this assumption, we are assuming that science and technology is a tool for improving life. However, disadvantages can be present too. E.g. Reliance on electronic communcation It is assumed that humans are unable control the science and technology that has been harnessed (According to Bladerunner) In today’s world, there are still no signs to suggest that there be creations which will outsmart the human race. Currently, most technologies are focused on convenience and comfort, not on surpassing intelligence

Inferences What is the situation of the perceived future of science and tech compared to today Perceived FutureThe present Creation of super-intelligence that surpasses humans No sign of progress yet Betrayal of science and tech on humans No sign yet Advanced flying transportations No sign of progress yet

Inferences Inferences Drawn Much of what is perceived in the movie is not realised This shows that the vision of people in the past is not realised today. Human’s development may be unable to predict and aim for. Much of today’s world is shaped by capitalist intentions instead of developing technology itself

Implications Implications Formed Humans may not be the master of their own destiny as seen from this contrast We may not be able control the way that we developing towards The reality that science and tech developments may one day go against humans may come true very soon should we not be able to control our development

Is it True? Untrue 1. Such fine workmanship? 2. Flying Cars 3. Robots with emotions? 4. Increased physical stats? 5. Sexual intercourse?

By Comparison!

Examples and Evidence What evidence is present in Bladerunners to show that scientific inventions can go wrong? The most prominent example would be the invention of the Replicants. Although the Replicants are invented to increase productivity, they do not have stable emotional conditions and sometimes pose a threat to mankind as they could kill with their superior powers than normal human beings. This is ironic to common belief that scientific inventions are mostly beneficial to mankind as we would never know what would happen in the future.

Counter examples What are the counter-examples shown in the movie which shows that scientific inventions may not be all that bad? Firstly, we can see that humans would be able to do things more conveniently with the development of science and technology. Photo viewer machines have a voice control function which allows the user to specifically zoom in to a portion of the picture simply by talking. Another example would be the flying cars as people do not have to worry about traffic jams when cars can fly, showing that scientific inventions can be beneficial.

Counter examples Even though many people would have the first impression that the Replicants are the main antagonists in this movie, the Replicants turn out to be the innocents who are actually suffering from the selfish deeds committed by human beings. All the Replicants did not only want to live for 4 short years, they yearn for a normal live, as a normal human being. Even though, they are guilty of nasty acts, they were still better than the unethical scientists who created them.

Counter examples For example, when Roy’s girlfriend who was also a Replicant, was killed by Deckard, Roy was very griefed by her death. Even though Roy was in the midst of seeking vengeance from Deckard, he went back to his girlfriend and kissed her. Secondly, when Deckard was hanging on the edge of the roof and was going to fall, Roy did not leave Deckard in the lurch. Even though he was bent on revenge, he still pulled Deckard up to safety