"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" is a science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick set in a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has been ravaged by a nuclear war. The remaining human population struggles to maintain their humanity in a society increasingly populated by artificial beings known as androids, which are nearly indistinguishable from humans. The story follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with "retiring" escaped androids that have fled to Earth from the off-world colonies.
The narrative explores deep philosophical questions concerning the nature of humanity, empathy, and the moral implications of artificial intelligence. As Deckard interacts with various androids, he confronts his own beliefs about what it means to be human. The novel raises doubts about the capacity for emotion and empathy in both humans and androids, blurring the lines between the two.