"The Minority Report" is a science fiction story by Philip K. Dick that explores themes of free will, determinism, and the moral implications of preemptive justice. Set in a future where a specialized police unit known as Precrime can predict crimes before they happen, the narrative follows Chief John Anderton, who oversees this system. The Precrime unit relies on three precognitive individuals who have the ability to foresee future crimes, allowing them to arrest perpetrators before any crime occurs, ostensibly ensuring safety in society.
As the story unfolds, Anderton becomes embroiled in a complex situation when he is predicted to commit a murder—one that he cannot comprehend or accept. This leads him to question the validity of the Precrime system and its underlying assumptions about human behavior. The tension escalates as Anderton goes on the run to prove his innocence, confronting the ethical dilemmas of punishing individuals for crimes they have yet to commit. The narrative challenges readers to consider whether the future is fixed or if individuals can change their destinies.