Human emotions are created by chemicals in the brain, these chemicals release different amounts to produce certain emotions. In Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, within the first few pages we are introduced to this concept of the human emotions being regulated by what they call a “Mood Organ”. These devices allow them to enter in a particular number or code and produce that kind of emotion. On the first page in a conversation between characters it is said “If you set the surge high enough, you’ll be glad you’re awake,” (Dick 3). While this concept seems cool and like it would make waking up was easier, I feel as though this is not natural. They are setting their bodies like clocks to produce a certain thing at a certain time so they don’t have to deal with being tired? I feel as though this dehumanizes their emotions as they are already preset to be felt. How would you feel having the mood organ present in everyday life with all emotions already predetermined for you?
Citation:
Dick, Philip K. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. New York: Penguin Random House, 1968. Print.