Perhaps the most interesting part of the story so far, is the situation that rose as Rick was analyzing Rachel. Despite her human backstory programmig, and her very precice responses to the questions, she failed the exam.
The Voight-Kampff test is a way the characters identify a human against an “andy,” or android. But the situation with Rachel proves an interesting point; Even though she was an android, Rick was convinced, through her “backstory” and from the test results, that she was just a human unaccustomed to life on earth. Going down this line of thought, some humans who are unaccustomed to being around others or with mental illnesses, may not past the test. Does this make those who are mentally ill subpar to the “neurotypical” characters? Even in Isidore’s situation, as a “special” individual, he’s still treated as a human. Would he be able to pass the Voight-Kampff test? Or would he fail just like the andys?
The overall question I’m asking is this: What makes human intelligence and reactions, purely human? And is a human who doesnt exhibit the “right” response considered subhuman?
Seth,
You pose a very intriguing argument. As the book states, the Voight-Kampff test is the most effective method by far in determining a human from an android. It does have its flaws, as you said those humans not unaccustomed to life on earth may fail the test. Along with that, humans with special needs or illnesses may not past the test either. With this, the Voight-Kampff test can absolutely decrease the worth and importance of a human with special needs or illness.
I believe this is when the term emotional intelligence appears. Emotional Intelligence is defined as the ability to not only identify and manage your own emotions but the emotions in others as well. People with low emotional intelligence do not have the same reactions to situations as those at or above the average. It is plausible that Racheal Rosen’s isolated childhood hindered her ability to feel certain emotions or react the way that would be deemed human.