The overarching themes of this scientific thriller are the dangers associated with genetic engineering and the folly of relying too heavily on computer technology that may fail at crucial moments. As Crichton makes clear in the Introduction, the implications of genetic engineering cannot be underestimated: “Biotechnology promises the greatest revolution in human history,” he writes. It will completely change every aspect of human life. But this is not being accompanied by any comparable attention to the ethical implications of genetic engineering, or the safety factors involved. The revolution in genetics is also marked by an alliance between biotech scientists and commercial interests.
Although to maintain this utopia, a single innocent child suffering from malnutrition and neglect must be locked away from society so the others may enjoy their freedom. Like “Omelas,” Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron” is also a science fiction story depicting an imaginary society where a single restriction is responsible for maintaining balance. “Harrison Bergeron” chronicles a family living in a futuristic American society based on equality in that no one is smarter, better looking, stronger, or faster than anyone else. The equality is strictly reinforced by the United States Handicapper General who maintains the equilibrium of the American people. Both stories depict extreme utilitarian societies and explore universal themes of freedom and equality while posing questions about the use of suppression, ignorance, and apathy to maintain their societies.
In Blade Runner, Scott explores the innovative and exciting ideas associated with being able to create ‘perfect’ life, however, he suggests that cloning technology can be dangerous for humankind when creations are just as intelligent and strong as humans. The Replicants are described as “more human than human” by Tyrell, their creator, when he tells Roy Batty, “You were made as well as we could make you”. However, despite being shown to be perfect, this is shown to be fraught with danger for humankind as they are lethal in their quest to reach Tyrell and compel him to give them more life. Early in the film, Deckard gets given the job “retiring” the NEXUS 6 Replicant’s that “…Slaughtered twenty-three people and jumped a shuttle…”
If you are genetically produced to be an Alpha, you will be intelligent and hard working, whereas an Epsilon will be basically mindless and lazy. The biological techniques used to control the population in Brave New World is definitely an unrealistic, yet frightful look into the
Parallel Universes and Alternate Development Gene Roddenberry, the visionary that created Star Trek did not intend for the show to be a pulp series without morals or depth. He intended each and every episode to offer insight to our own societal issues and human experience. The themes of his episodes range from race issues, to environmental awareness, to the morality of expanding technology. The most interesting theme I have found within the Star Trek universe is that of parallel Universes and alternate development of societies similar to our own. These themes are the most interesting because they offer a view of what could have been, or even what could be in our own society, allowing us a level of introspection we could not have imagined on our own.
Wilson also left one out of his book that really should have been added: cybernetic body implants. Human kind has always dreamed of being so advanced that we didn’t have to work anymore, but devices that would make that possible are too flawed, and could possibly be the downfall of humanity. If science could work out these problems, the future would open many doors; however we must be weary not to become too dependant upon our technologies. Robot servants are defined by Daniel H. Wilson as, “a human-looking appliance that cooks and cleans, offers a helping hand, and handles security.” (129). Basically stated, a robot is a device that does what you want, nearly like a human.
Prometheus' creation of the human race during the creation of the universe was for the sake of humanity, Victor's creation of the creature was for his sole knowledge to only better his curiosity. Some may say Victor Frankenstein does not portray a modern Prometheus. Although he may not be a god, he is to the creature. In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein is the modern Prometheus. Victor seeks for enlightenment and power, in which, Prometheus does as well.Victor does something forbidden; creating human life.
Individuality vs. Conformity In the novel Brave New World, written by Aldous Huxley illusioned peace and happiness is achieved through scientific and technological means; all to create an ordered society. At the very beginning of the novel, Huxley paints a vivid picture of this dystopian society. In the first chapter we are introduced and further reminded throughout the novel that their motto is “Community, Identity, and Stability” (p16). At first glance it may seem like a very noble and encouraging motto, however the reader sees the dangers of it, as the rulers seem to have taken these values too far. Humanity is completely manipulated as the reader is taken through the Central London Hatchery and Conditioning Center, where they literally create the people of their society.
In Blade Runner, the Replicants were created for labour and entertainment purposes. They were meant to assist with manual labour in off-world colonies. They were seen as huge progress. However, the Replicants ended up becoming a threat to civilization and needed to be eradicated. The Voight-Kampff test seemed to be progressive in finding Replicants on earth.
We are not sure it’s only a prediction. The statement we have come up with is that the development of robots will be both beneficial and hinder our future! So robots will affect us in positive and negative way. In fact, robots will have a great impact on earth’s future and its environment. Thousands of robots exist today which are professionally advanced and helping us human beings with our daily life, defense and for other type of experiments.