Human: true or false? Man, myth and cinema.

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Technology
• Film Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• The increasing robotization of society raises concerns about human identity and dehumanization.
• Science fiction, particularly films like Blade Runner, often explores the boundary between humans and artificial intelligence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the thematic elements of identity, memory, empathy, and bonding in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner.
• To investigate how the film transcends a simple human vs. android dichotomy.
• To explore the film's role in updating and reflecting collective consciousness and societal anxieties.

Main Methods:

• Thematic analysis of key scenes and concepts in Blade Runner.
• Comparative study of mythical themes and their modern interpretations within the film.
• Exploration of the film's cultural and societal impact.

Main Results:

• Blade Runner challenges the binary between humans and androids by focusing on shared experiences of memory, empathy, and existential questions.
• The film updates classical myths by exploring contemporary anxieties about artificial intelligence and the human condition.
• The analysis reveals how the film functions as a visionary work, reflecting and shaping societal perceptions.

Conclusions:

• Blade Runner offers a profound commentary on identity, memory, and empathy in an increasingly automated world.
• The film's enduring relevance lies in its ability to problematize the human condition and update timeless myths for a modern audience.
• Art, through works like Blade Runner, can anticipate societal shifts and provoke critical reflection.