The Reality Of Science Fiction And The Affects On The Future
Our human society isn’t the same as it was at the dawn of man. Our needs and wants have changed in such a way that if we were to describe our time to someone of the past it would be extremely bizarre and unbelievable. Its moments of recognition like this that changes ones perspective of when and how we live. We are filled with a plethora of technological advances unimaginable twenty years ago and that leave a question on where we would be one hundred to two hundred years from now. The science fiction genre has given us an accessible window to what life could be like in the future. It provides us open-minded questions on civil structure, technology and the fate of species. Works like The Terminator, Star Wars, and Star Trek display multiple options on how the future may be weather our understanding of the universe expands or we stay decollate among our selves. The genre provides us with many plausible realities but dystopian and utopian themes runs through the very core of many sci-fi works. The science fiction is becoming closer to reality everyday through the development of technology and new age thinking, and is providing subtle guidelines for the future we create.
Science fiction is a topic of imagination and fantasy depicting unthinkable plots and technology while maintaining a certain kind of realism supported by theories and builds upon back-story. These types of imagination are what make the future ideas possible. With the implication of the Internet the Science fiction community had an outlet for many ideas. Fanfiction.net is a site that caters to hardcore fans. It provided a place of storytelling and intrigue among like-minded individuals interested in expanding their favorite titles. The site is filled with thousands upon thousands of user submitted fan fiction ranging from simple stories to complex novels. The internet also allows the streaming of Sci-fi news to become easily accessible to the masses with sites like Sciencefiction.com. It keeps you up to date on the latest news, reviews, and releases of your favorite sci-fi titles. Common plots portrayed in the genre include “the consequences of new proposed technologies, the nature and limit of what it means to be human, the relation of humanity to the universe, the proposed changes in social organization and the realms of the imagination by taking us boldly and daringly where no one has gone before (Atwood 515).
Science fiction is a topic of imagination and fantasy depicting unthinkable plots and technology while maintaining a certain kind of realism supported by theories and builds upon back-story. These types of imagination are what make the future ideas possible. With the implication of the Internet the Science fiction community had an outlet for many ideas. Fanfiction.net is a site that caters to hardcore fans. It provided a place of storytelling and intrigue among like-minded individuals interested in expanding their favorite titles. The site is filled with thousands upon thousands of user submitted fan fiction ranging from simple stories to complex novels. The internet also allows the streaming of Sci-fi news to become easily accessible to the masses with sites like Sciencefiction.com. It keeps you up to date on the latest news, reviews, and releases of your favorite sci-fi titles. Common plots portrayed in the genre include “the consequences of new proposed technologies, the nature and limit of what it means to be human, the relation of humanity to the universe, the proposed changes in social organization and the realms of the imagination by taking us boldly and daringly where no one has gone before (Atwood 515).
The future is something that is unknown to us all but is played out in many minds. Through different perspectives we are able to view the best options for what life should be like in the future. Technology is growing stronger and faster now that it is surpassing even our own human capabilities both physically and mentally. In films like The Terminator technology is something that is looked up upon and even somewhat idolized. The film is set in both our current time and a post-apocalyptic world where the assumed future of technology, Skynet, holds the reins on a supreme metal robotic army on the goals of dominating the world and enslaving the human race. The film Introduces interesting technological concepts like an autonomous centralized defense computer and robotic soldiers but these types of technologies are extremely prevalent to what is being developed now.
Companies like DARPA (Defense Advance Research Project Agency) have been developing many forms of highly advanced robotics with human and animal characteristics. Some of these robots can walk like a human, run up to speeds of 18 miles per hour like a cheetah, and maintain extreme stability in the harshest terrain and conditions as if it where living. These types of break through may determine what the future holds. It opens us up to the possibilities of future robotic super solider warfare. These types of technologies are being implemented not on the battlefield. With the use of the UAV (Unmanned Arial Vehicle) and growing drone technology could dictate the use of possible futuristic robotic soldiers. The idea of robotics is something prevalent in our time and growing faster and stronger. Although the robots are not really the worry, it is the artificial intelligence we create is something we should worry about. |
It is the fear of “technological singularity” we are most afraid of (Satell). “Technological singularity” is the creation of super intelligence, and it is near impossible to foresee a world like due to the fact that we are not aware of the possible capabilities or intentions the intelligence might have (Satell). These ideas have been though of since the 50’s, in the boom of machines, and has developed ever since. One is left to speculate what could be the intentions of a supposed super intelligence, whether it be benevolent or malevolent. Would it think in terms of the eternity of its own mind or consider morality of humans. It is understandable why the topic is theorized and mischievous because we just don’t know. What we do know is that technology doubling its speed and strength every eighteen months and growing even faster (Satell). Soon all computers will surpass and exceed the capabilities of the human brain. Technology is a great asset to humanity but we must be worry about its use. With our own worldly problems it may minute to the scale of the galaxy or even the universe.
Star Wars zooms out of planetary perspective to a galactic one with the integration and tolerance of other species and technology, displaying a universe unimaginable to us of this current age. The popularity of Star Wars was an explosion in the 70’s and became part of human culture. It affected people around the world due to its great story telling and relatability to the people. It was so easily understandable that you could play the whole movie silent and still be able to understand its context through its use of colors and very distinct line between good and evil. Playing off classical themes of the white messiah in space, it hit the audience in such a way that it changed the outlook of space and the possibilities that the universe contains. Its influence has been the basis for books, comics, television shows, and sub plots that expand the Star Wars universe and its understanding. They even have rides based around the Star Wars universe such as Star Tours at Disneyland. The popularity was immense and wide spread but the understanding of the universe is what made the series so interesting.
Its portraits a power struggle with the omnipotent Empire and the struggling idealistic Rebellion over government structure. It gives us extremely clear borders between good and evil. This must mean that social structure and government is something that is major factor in our distant future.
Its portraits a power struggle with the omnipotent Empire and the struggling idealistic Rebellion over government structure. It gives us extremely clear borders between good and evil. This must mean that social structure and government is something that is major factor in our distant future.
The Death Star can be depicted as the idealist planet to some. Built upon technology and what is considered the greatest force in the galaxy. It is a gleaming white shiny gun fortress with the capability to destroy planets. Inside is a monotone color scheme of black and white with an ominous tone as it the structure was breathing. It is run by a small a group with the goal is to uniting the galaxy under one rule and to colonize and standardize the galaxy. The Empire views the rest of the universe as a resource and has no disregard for life. Through politics they seized control of the galaxy and become corrupt with the omnipotent power that was given. With the largest most advanced army in the galaxy, placed everywhere, it creates somewhat of a galactic police state. The use and abuse of this blunt force for an authoritarian society is chilling. There are many other perspectives and alteration that can be made to avoid a dystopian universe and create a utopian one. Science fiction films display many intuitive ways how technology and individualistic ideals destroy us all but it’s missing the point. Science fiction provides us guidelines to avoid as we progress technologically and as a developing species. We as the human species fixate on our own destruction and gravitate to destructive ideas. Although these ideas intrigue us they influence us in an unhealthy manner. These apocalyptic and dystopian ideas serve as guidelines and tactics to avoid. Science fiction could be used with technology we are in control of its growth. It is merely a tool used and an extension of us as humans and shouldn’t be feared. |
Despite the possible terror of ever growing technology, the direction of intent is what needs to be changed. Instead of looking at militarist robots taking over, think of the use of robots as assistance like C-3PO or our modern day ASIMO. Finding intuitive ways to integrate robotics into daily life. These robots form a “platonic love” for their owners and have understanding and responsibility (Moravec 118).
Our only understanding as humans has been individualistic and segregated. We find ways to differentiate ourselves from one another. We all as living beings need to consciously acknowledge and understand our place in the universe and new age thinking is what needs to be addressed. Through understanding we accept and find common goals. Einstein once said that “compound interests” is the most powerful force in the universe. These compound interests and goals unlock by the ultimate key for a scientific utopian society, love and acceptance. Love is the driving force that brings acceptance, and starts the chain reaction to our utopian universe.
Works Cited
Atwood, Margaret., “The Handmaid’s Tale and Oryx and Crake inContext,” PMLA (2004): 513–517, 515.
Liebowitz, S. J., & Margolis, S. E. (1995). Path dependence, lock-in, and history. Journal of Law, Economics, & Organization, 11(1), 205–226.
John Logsdon, “Star Trek: Beyond the final Frontier” (2007)
Moravec, H, . “Robot: Mere machine to transcendent mind,” NewYork: Oxford University Press. (1999)
Satell, Greg., "Should We Fear The Rise Of The Robots?", www.Forbes.com, 5 May 2013, 8 May 2013
Liebowitz, S. J., & Margolis, S. E. (1995). Path dependence, lock-in, and history. Journal of Law, Economics, & Organization, 11(1), 205–226.
John Logsdon, “Star Trek: Beyond the final Frontier” (2007)
Moravec, H, . “Robot: Mere machine to transcendent mind,” NewYork: Oxford University Press. (1999)
Satell, Greg., "Should We Fear The Rise Of The Robots?", www.Forbes.com, 5 May 2013, 8 May 2013