No, Android 18 is not fully human, despite her human origins.
Understanding Android 18's Composition
While often referred to as an android or cyborg, Android 18's composition is more complex than either label suggests. According to Bulma's examination of Android 17's blueprints (and by extension, 18's design since they were created similarly), 18 and 17 were originally human. However, their bodies were significantly altered with "bio-organic components."
Key Enhancements
Here's a breakdown of what we know about Android 18:
- Human Base: She started as a regular human being.
- Bio-Organic Enhancements: Her body was augmented with sophisticated bio-organic components. This implies that she is no longer solely biological but has a mix of organic and artificial parts.
- Not Purely Mechanical: The description explicitly states that the Androids are "human-based" and enhanced, differentiating them from purely mechanical robots.
Why She Isn't Fully Human
Given the significant additions and alterations to her biological makeup, it's not accurate to consider Android 18 fully human. Her enhancements are so extensive that they supersede her original human form.
Comparing Terms
To clarify, here is a comparison table:
Term | Description | Applicable to 18? |
---|---|---|
Human | Completely biological, natural, and not altered or enhanced | No |
Android | A robot designed to resemble a human being (typically mechanical). | Technically No |
Cyborg | A being with both organic and artificial parts. | Close, but not quite |
Enhanced Human | A human modified or augmented via technology or bioengineering. | Yes |
Conclusion
Although her origins are human, Android 18 is not fully human due to her extensive biological modifications. Instead, she is best described as a significantly enhanced or augmented human.