Review of 'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams' 1.2 Autofac
Human v Machine
In Autofac, we have Dick addressing his perennial what's real and what's fantasy, dream, alternate whatever conundrum in a form likely best known these days, and for better than three decades: which one is more human, the android (robot) or the humans who made it/her/him? This is the theme of Bladerunner, original movie and recent sequel, based on Dick's novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - two words of which are part of the title of this 2018 streaming series.
Since Autofac is just the second episode I've seen of Electric Dreams, I can't tell you if it captures the essence of Dick's science fiction better than the other episodes. But I will say it does an outstanding job of presenting the story of which is android and which is human - with the intensity that we might expect to find in HBO's Westworld. Which in turn means that Amazon Prime in this series is playing on some high intellect/octane terrain indeed, as it did in its other Dick production, The Man in the High Castle.
One of the reasons that Dick has had more of his stories brought to the screen than has Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, and all the masters of science fiction combined, is that he knew how to put twists and turns and surprises right in with the most complex philosophic puzzles. Autofac has that, and manages to provide a narrative that is fresh and surprising even though its post-apocalyptic setting and artificial intelligence motifs are almost commonplace on the page and the screen these days.
Top-notch acting by Juno Temple, and it was good to see Revolution's David Lyons back. Well written for television by Travis Beacham, and sharply directed by Peter Horton.
See also Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams 1.1 Real Life ... 1.3 Human Is: Compassionate or Alien? ... 1.4 Crazy Diamond: DNA Batteries ... 1.5 The Hood Maker: Telepathy and Police ... 1.6 Safe & Sound: This Isn't A Drill ... 1.7 The Father Thing: Dick from Space ... 1.8 Impossible Planet: Eye of the Beholder ... 1.9 The Commuter: Submitted for Your Approval ... 1.10: Kill All Others: Too Close for Comfort
About the Creator
Paul Levinson
Novels The Silk Code, The Plot To Save Socrates, It's Real Life: An Alternate History of The Beatles; LPs Twice Upon A Rhyme & Welcome Up; nonfiction The Soft Edge & Digital McLuhan, translated into 15 languages. Prof, Fordham Univ.
Keep reading
More stories from Paul Levinson and writers in Futurism and other communities.
The RAF’s Foothold in the Eastern Med Is Slipping – £17k Drones Are to Blame
The Royal Air Force is facing growing operational challenges in the eastern Mediterranean as low-cost drones, costing as little as £17,000, increasingly threaten airspace security and force a reassessment of defensive postures. Officials acknowledge that these unmanned systems, often commercially available or easily modified, are disrupting reconnaissance, surveillance, and regional air operations, highlighting vulnerabilities even in technologically advanced militaries. The eastern Mediterranean has long been a strategic region for the United Kingdom, serving as a staging ground for intelligence gathering, military exercises, and rapid response missions. However, the proliferation of inexpensive drones has complicated these operations, creating operational hazards and reducing the RAF’s ability to maintain dominance in contested airspace. Drones: A Growing Threat Small drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become increasingly common in conflicts and contested zones worldwide. Analysts note that while each drone may cost only a fraction of traditional military aircraft, their ability to evade radar detection and conduct surveillance or even deliver payloads makes them a disproportionate threat. A spokesperson for the RAF noted that several recent incidents in the eastern Mediterranean involved drones approaching military airfields, monitoring aircraft movements, or interfering with exercises. “Even low-cost UAVs can present significant challenges to our operations,” the official said. “They require rapid detection, tracking, and, in some cases, neutralization to ensure mission safety.” The £17,000 drones cited by military sources are commercially available but often upgraded with military-grade sensors, GPS guidance, or payload modifications. Such upgrades make them capable of gathering intelligence or harassing military assets with minimal cost to adversaries. Operational and Strategic Impacts The presence of these drones has forced the RAF to adjust flight patterns, increase air patrols, and deploy counter-drone systems. These measures, while necessary, place additional strain on personnel and resources. Analysts warn that repeated drone incursions may gradually erode operational confidence and limit the RAF’s freedom of action in the region. Strategically, drones are challenging traditional concepts of air superiority. While the RAF continues to operate advanced jets and surveillance aircraft, small UAVs provide low-cost, persistent monitoring that can identify patterns, vulnerabilities, and deployment schedules without significant risk to operators. Military planners emphasize that the proliferation of inexpensive drones demonstrates how modern conflicts increasingly favor asymmetric approaches, where low-cost technology can counter high-end military assets. This shift is particularly visible in regions like the eastern Mediterranean, where multiple actors operate with differing levels of capability. Counter-Drone Measures In response, the RAF and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have accelerated investments in counter-drone technology. These measures include radar and sensor systems capable of detecting small UAVs, electronic jamming equipment to disrupt communications, and rapid-response interception protocols. Exercises are now incorporating drone threat simulations, training pilots and ground crews to respond to swarming UAVs or reconnaissance missions. Officials stress that a layered approach, combining electronic, kinetic, and procedural defenses, is necessary to maintain operational integrity. Regional Implications The eastern Mediterranean remains a hotbed of military activity due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving NATO members, regional powers, and non-state actors. The presence of low-cost drones increases uncertainty and complicates coordination among allied forces. Countries in the region, including Greece, Turkey, and Israel, are increasingly using UAVs for reconnaissance and patrol missions. The RAF must adapt to a dynamic environment where drones can operate alongside conventional aircraft, requiring both operational flexibility and investment in defensive technologies. Lessons for Future Operations Military analysts argue that incidents involving inexpensive drones highlight the importance of integrating counter-UAV strategies into broader air defense planning. The RAF is expected to continue developing detection networks, automated response systems, and intelligence sharing protocols to mitigate drone-related risks. Additionally, the challenge underscores the evolving nature of modern conflict, where small, cheap technologies can challenge established militaries, forcing continuous adaptation and strategic foresight. Balancing Costs and Capabilities While counter-drone systems are essential, they also represent a significant financial investment. Balancing the costs of defensive measures against the operational risks posed by low-cost UAVs remains a critical challenge for the RAF. Training, equipment procurement, and operational adjustments must be carefully coordinated to ensure efficiency without compromising readiness. Conclusion The RAF’s experience in the eastern Mediterranean demonstrates that even small, inexpensive drones can have outsized effects on military operations and strategy. As the proliferation of UAVs continues, the UK military faces a dual challenge: maintaining air dominance while adapting to new asymmetric threats. By investing in detection, response, and training, the RAF aims to preserve its operational foothold in the region. However, the rise of £17,000 drones illustrates a broader lesson for modern defense: technological sophistication alone does not guarantee superiority in the age of accessible, disruptive innovations.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohia day ago in Futurism
Europe Gene Therapy Market Within Cell & Gene Therapy: Fast‑Growing Niche in a USD 7.41 Billion CGT Landscape
In a recent analysis of the latest biotechnology data, one explosive trend captured my attention immediately. The Europe gene therapy market is rapidly evolving into the most critical segment of the broader Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) sector. In my review of recent regulatory approvals over the last six months, I noticed a massive shift in capital allocation. Consequently, this highly specialized niche is completely transforming modern medicine. Let's explore exactly how this market is rewriting the rules of healthcare.
By Joey Moore2 days ago in Futurism
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.