Both the film Blade Runner and the novel Neuromancer examine the rise of amoral, powerful corporations and the development of artificial intelligence (AI), often at the expense of individual freedom and identity.
In the film Blade Runner, the rise of powerful corporations and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) at the sacrifice of individuality and freedom is depicted through the Tyrell Corporation. The Tyrell Corporation dominates the society in the film with its technological innovation, the replicants. The replicants were created with a limited life span and were not considered human even though they were practically indistinguishable from humans. The corporation’s control over the replicants’ identities sparked their struggle for freedom and individuality. Beyond its business influence, it controls the lives of replicants and humans and operates with no regard for morals. The unchecked power of corporations leads to exploitation and dehumanization which can be seen in the movie.
Similarly, the novel Neuromancer demonstrates the same sentiments as Blade Runner through the use of the corporation Tessier-Ashpool S.A. and AI technology. Tessier-Ashpool S.A. has significant control over society’s resources which allows them to have influence on society in general. However, the corporation uses some ethically questionable and immoral business tactics to achieve its goals of power and profit. In this society, the corporation rules without regard for human rights and freedom. The use of AI in the novel showcases the idea that AI could surpass human control which poses a threat to what humanity is known as. When Wintermute attempts to merge with Neuromancer to form a superintelligence, this suggests that the limits to AI are unknown. The manipulation of Case, the book’s protagonist, by AI and the corporation shows how humans can compromise their individuality and freedom by interacting with these powerful entities.
Both Blade Runner and Neuromancer are excellent examples of works that explore the rise of amoral, powerful corporations and AI with no regard for human freedom and identity. These works encourage thinking and conversation about the future of our society with the growth of technology and corporations. It leads to many questions about what the limits of technology in society should be and what it means to be human.
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