There many interpretations of what it means to be considered alive. The human race is the symbol of intellectual life. Humans have a complex physical system with tissue, nerves, and malleable brain cells. Humans possess personalities, they are able to make educated judgments, and create purposeful relationships. However, in the world of science fiction However, in the world of science fiction, machines can be considered alive as well. Robert A. Heinlein’s book, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, and Ridley Scott’s 1982 movie, Blade Runner, explore the idea of the living computer by showing their ability to have independent thought and human like qualities.
Being able to develop a personality by using one 's own thought is key to proving …show more content…
Although Mike does not have a physical human like body. This doesn 't necessarily mean he isn 't alive. An example of a character that has a body but isn’t truly alive is Leon from Ridley Scott’s 1982 movie, Blade Runner. Leon sits in the beginning of the film, taking what is known as an empathy test, this test helps find replicants. replicants are very human-like Androids but they lack empathy. And are believed to be very dangerous by humans. As Leon takes the empathy test he starts fail from the first question . The blade runner, the people that run the test, is asking him simple questions for example “ You 're walking in a desert.” asks the Blade runner, “what dessert” Leon quickly responds . Leon answers them to quickly and doesn’t give himself time to process the question that is being asked. Mike however, will take time and think, after Mannie asks Mike a question Manie notices “he hesitated. I [Mannie] know-machines don 't hesitate.” (1.15) before Mike answers someone, he wants to process what they are saying and consider what he should say next. Mike is able to think and think about what he wants or needs to say next, his thoughts are not being controlled or overloaded unlike …show more content…
Mike shows maturity as the story goes on. He continually appears more and more human. His relationship stands out as, “his most human quality,” according to Mannie (25.33). Creating a conscious and purposeful relationship with another individual demonstrates the ability to think for oneself. Another example of this is when Mannie confesses “Mike you are the best friend I ever had” (3.51). Mike’s response is very humble yet surprised. He explains that he is, “honored and pleased. You are my best friend” (3.52). This proves that Mike is capable of expressing feeling towards another individual. Creating a relationship is a very powerful concept of life, and it helps prove if something,like a man made machine can truly be alive, be capable of showing emotions for another individual. Once again referencing to the film Blade Runner, Rick Deckard ,the film 's protagonist, meets a Replicant named Rachel, they develop a romantic relationship and toward the end Deckard asked Rachel “do you love me” “Yes, I love you” was her response.. Rachel is capable of feeling love toward Deckard despite being a replicant she 's not only showing that she possesses feeling for Deckard, but also that she is capable of wanting a relationship with him. In fact all of the replicants have a relationship, Leon with Zhora, both replicants,