Automontologists

Automontologists are a fictional group of individuals within certain speculative fiction narratives, most notably the works of science fiction author Philip K. Dick. The term refers to those who are obsessed with or have an inordinate interest in the intricacies of automobiles, often to the point of seeing them as living entities or possessing a quasi-religious significance. Automontologists may attribute human-like qualities to vehicles, such as personalities, moods, or even souls. Their focus is not merely on the mechanical aspects of cars, but on their perceived sentience and the emotional bonds they form with their machines.

In these stories, automontologists often view the mass production and dehumanization of society as a negative force that diminishes the individual's connection to their automobile. They might engage in elaborate rituals or practices related to car maintenance and customization, seeing these actions as a form of communication or empathy with the vehicle. The concept can serve as a metaphor for the human tendency to anthropomorphize and seek meaning in the objects we create and interact with, particularly in an increasingly technological world. The term itself suggests a blend of "automobile" and "ontology," the philosophical study of being, implying a deep inquiry into the nature of automotive existence. Their beliefs are typically presented as eccentric or even delusional by mainstream characters within the narrative, highlighting themes of perception, reality, and the search for authentic connection.