Contemporary Literature – Written Reflection
BICENTENNIAL MAN
The movie BICENTENNIAL MAN presents several universal themes. As a servant, the main character,
Andrew, struggles with many issues of freedom. The movie also raises questions about what it means to be human, and how a “person” is defined. A third theme deals with issues of technology – questions which go back to the beginnings of the scientific revolution when people started to question whether science “should” take us as far as it can.
You are asked to do a writing which deals in some way with at least one (or some) of the themes raised in this story. Pick one of the following options below to construct a 1-2 page essay in MLA format (see sample).
OPTIONS:
1.
Compare Andrew’s desire for freedom to similar situations in history. Consider why Andrew wanted freedom, what he did to prepare for it, how others reacted to his request and how he used his freedom once he had it.
2.
What qualities do you think are necessary to be a person? Do you think that all human beings are qualified to be persons? (think about that carefully…) Do you think that Andrew is a
“person”? If so, do you think that he was a person from the moment that he was activated or do you think he obtained personhood somewhere along the way? If not, why not? What prevents him from being a “person”?
3.
Do you think that Andrew needs to give up his potential immortality in order to be a person? If you could be immortal, would you be? Thoroughly explain why or why not using specific examples.
4.
Do you think some non-human animals should be considered persons? If so, which ones and why?
If not, why not? Do you think a chimpanzee would be more or less qualified than Andrew to be called a person? Explain your answer.
5.
Compare the reality of what is possible in technology to what was done in the movie. How close are we now to being able to really do the things scientifically which were done in the movie? Consider how the technology has advanced historically, and how these advances have affected our philosophies and attitudes about what is possible or desirable.
6.
If people have sufficient artificial parts (e.g. artificial hearts, artificial brain implants). Do they risk losing their personhood? Is there a line that can be crossed when mixing humans with technology? Consider plastic surgery; do humans lose or gain individuality and personhood when adding artificial aesthetics? Is imperfection an important part of being human?
7.
Write a persuasive essay in which you argue for or against cloning or some other related technology. Include specific examples to support your point of view.
8.
You may choose to write about some other aspect or theme of the movie, but it must be approved before you begin. Make sure you have specific questions you are going to address
BEFORE you begin.