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Mood Organ
The Voigt-Kampff Test is a diagnostic tool designed to differentiate humans from androids by measuring emotional responses. The test presents a series of provocative, often morally charged questions meant to elicit empathetic reactions. It monitors involuntary physiological changes, such as pupil dilation, heart rate, and facial muscle movements, which are presumed to be unique to humans due to their capacity for genuine empathy. While androids possess advanced intelligence and mimic human behavior, their inability to exhibit true empathy makes them detectable through this test.
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Voigt-Kampff Test Term Timeline in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
The timeline below shows where the term Voigt-Kampff Test appears in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4
...successfully retired two androids before one, Max Polokov, shot him with a laser during a Voigt-Kampff test. Six more Nexus-6 androids remain at large in Northern California. Bryant assigns Rick to...
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...the upcoming test. The group moves to a furnished room where Rick sets up his Voigt-Kampff testing equipment. Rachael volunteers to take the test first, surprising Rick. Eldon then reveals that...
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Chapter 5
Rick administers the Voigt-Kampff test to Rachael, observing her physiological responses to morally complex scenarios designed to provoke empathy....
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Chapter 9
...appears preoccupied with her music score. Rick introduces himself and explains the need for a Voigt-Kampff test, which she reluctantly agrees to. As Rick prepares the equipment, Luft becomes increasingly evasive,...
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Chapter 10
...of its existence. Inspector Garland, a senior officer, interrogates him, questioning the validity of his Voigt-Kampff test and accusing him of carrying a list of human targets rather than androids. Rick...
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Chapter 12
...necessary to protect humanity. Rick, skeptical of Resch’s humanity, agrees to test him using the Voigt-Kampff scale. They walk to Resch’s car, where Resch voluntarily surrenders his laser tube to reassure...
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