What Is the Harkness Test? [Everything to Know]

The Harkness Test is a set of guidelines that would make it permissible to have intimate relations with a non-human creature, as long as the creature meets certain criteria.

The test is named after Jack Harkness, a character in Doctor Who and Torchwood who is attracted to both human and non-human characters in the show.

Let’s take a closer look at the Harkness Test and what it entails.

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Harkness Test Criteria

The criteria for the Harkness Test are as follows:

“Does this character have human intelligence (or greater)?”
Can it talk or otherwise communicate with language?”, and
“Is it of maturity for its species?”

If the answer to all three questions is yes, then the creature passes the Harkness Test and it would be permissible to have a relationship with it.

The idea behind the test is that intelligent, communicative creatures are more likely to be able to consent, regardless of their species.

This is in contrast to animals, which cannot consent and are therefore off-limits.

The Harkness Test has been used as a thought experiment to explore issues of consent and morality when it comes to interspecies relationships.

The Harkness Test – Pokemon

For example, let’s apply the Harkness Test to some of the creatures from the popular anime Pokemon.

Pikachu is one of the most iconic creatures in the franchise and it is also one of the first creatures that comes to mind when thinking about Pokemon.

However, Pikachu fails the Harkness Test because it does not have human intelligence or greater.

Additionally, Pikachu cannot talk or communicate with language, so it fails the second criterion as well.

On the other hand, Meowth is a talking Pokemon who has been shown to be quite intelligent in the anime.

He would pass both the first and second criterion of the Harkness Test.

However, Meowth fails the third criterion because he is not of maturity for his species. As a result, he would not be a viable partner under the Harkness Test.

Do Pokemon pass the Harkness test?

So in terms of whether Pokemon pass the Harkness test, it really just depends on the creature.

The Harkness Test Explained

FAQs – The Harkness Test

What is the Harkness test?

The Harkness Test isn’t a standardized test in the traditional sense. It refers to a set of criteria popularized in online fandoms for determining whether it’s ethically acceptable to be attracted to a fictional character, or to create and enjoy fictional works centered on a character.

The name references Captain Jack Harkness, a character in the science-fiction show Doctor Who known for his pan-inclusive attractiveness.

Who developed the Harkness Test and when?

The Harkness Test emerged from online fandom discussions. There’s no single creator, and it’s hard to pinpoint an exact date. The earliest references traced online seem to occur around 2013, likely developing from broader conversations about ethical representation and consumption of fictional content.

What are the main objectives of the Harkness Test?

The Harkness Test aims to promote thoughtful engagement with fictional characters and narratives. It encourages consideration of the following:

Consent: Can the character meaningfully understand the situation and consent to the actions or relationship depicted?
Agency: Does the character have control and power within the story, or are they merely an object?
Representation: Does this portrayal reinforce harmful stereotypes or problematic tropes, or does it present a respectful depiction?

How is the Harkness Test administered?

The Harkness Test is not a formal test with strict rules. It’s a framework for self-evaluation:

The Harkness Test Criteria: There are three common questions:
- Does the character possess human-level (or greater) intelligence?
- Can the character communicate using language?
- Is the character considered an adult by the standards of their species/world?
Passing the Test: Generally, if a character meets all three criteria, it suggests that engaging with them in a romantic or similar manner could be ethically acceptable within the fictional context.

What subjects or areas does the Harkness Test cover?

The Harkness Test largely focuses on the ethics of fictional attraction, particularly for characters that are:

Non-Human: Aliens, fantasy creatures, robots, etc.
Underage: Characters portrayed as minors, even if fictional.
Problematic Power Dynamics: Situations where the character lacks true agency or ability to consent due to circumstance.

How does the Harkness Test differ from traditional testing methods?

Focus: The Harkness Test isn’t about assessing knowledge or skills, but critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
No Rigid Answers: There are no “right” or “wrong” answers, but a thought process for individuals to consider.
Tied to Fandom: It emerged from specific cultural communities, not academic or professional settings.

What are the benefits of using the Harkness Test in educational settings?

The Harkness Test framework can be adapted for educational use, though with caveats:

Media Literacy: Encourages analyzing characters for agency, representation, and power structures presented in a story.
Ethical Discussions: Fosters dialogue about consent, healthy relationships, and responsible consumption of media.
Critical Thinking: Promotes going beyond surface-level engagement with fictional narratives.

Are there any criticisms or limitations of the Harkness Test?

It’s important to understand the Harkness Test’s limitations:

Oversimplification: Complex ethical issues can’t be reduced to a simple checklist.
Focus on Individual Responsibility: Can neglect broader systemic issues of representation in media.
Evolving Standards: What audiences find acceptable or harmful shifts over time.

How can teachers or educators prepare students for the Harkness Test?

Rather than teaching the test itself, educators can:

Build a Foundation: Teach critical analysis skills, media literacy, and discussions about healthy relationships and power dynamics.
Open Ended Questions: Use scenarios or fictional characters to spark conversations without prescribing “correct” answers.
Context Matters: Emphasize that cultural norms, individual values, and the goals of particular works all influence ethical interpretations.

What role do discussion and collaboration play in the Harkness Test?

Discussion is vital to the spirit of the Harkness Test. It acknowledges:

No Singular Truth: Ethical interpretations of fiction are often nuanced and subject to debate.
Community Standards: Fandoms collectively set expectations around what is acceptable within their spaces.
Evolving Understanding: Conversations allow individuals to grow and re-evaluate their stances over time.

Conclusion – The Harkness Test

The Harkness Test is an interesting thought experiment that raises important questions about morality and consent when it comes to relationships with non-human creatures.

While the test may be hypothetical, it highlights some important issues that are worth considering.

What Is the Harkness Test? [Everything to Know]

Harkness Test Criteria