6. 6 What is Science Fiction? “I know it when I see it.” How is it unique? 6
7. 7 What is Science Fiction? Began with the Greeks. Plato’s Republic Other Examples Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein Oliver Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels 7
8. 8 Why Science Fiction Matters Symbiotic Relationship “Science fiction doesn't predict the future: its primary goal is to encourage public awareness and debate around the thresholds of scientific understanding. But, in doing this, it inspires the next generation of researchers and for better or for worse, it can become a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy.” - Dr. Henry Jenkins, M.I.T. 8
9. 9 Myth and Science Fiction We still need mythology. People needed to understand why things happen Fire - Sunrise - Sickness We still need to try and understand why things happen Quantum Mechanics - Social Complexity - Emergent Behavior 9
10. 10 Science Fiction Teaches Ethics “I am a fictionalizing philosopher, not a novelist; my novel & story-writing ability is employed as a means to formulate my perception. The core of my writing is not art but truth.” - Philip K. Dick Ethics = Philosophy = Science Fiction 10
11. 11 Methods - Three Stages Textual Analysis Long Survey Cultural Probe 11
12. 12 Methods - Textual Analysis Science Fiction TV Science Fiction Movies Science Fiction Literature Other Ethical Sources Christianity Other Genres 12
13. 13 Methods - Long Survey Create Moral Maps Progressive Why that decision? Who would you trust? a) Captain Kirk b) Mahatma Ghandi c) Jesus Christ d) Madonna e) Jack Bower 13
14. 14 Methods - Cultural Probe Participant Journals Open Ended Three Groups Different ways to participate 14
15. 15 Possible Outcomes A seemingly high number of people will be somewhat influenced by Science Fiction. Family, Friends and Childhood Lessons will figure most prominently Science Fiction will be prevalent in unfamiliar situations. 15
