The Authors of Science Fiction - Essay Example

Science fiction and human condition Introduction Where do we live? Who are we? There is a strong juxtaposition of reality and non-reality or fantasy.By means of paranormal phenomena, empirical science makes an attempt to clarify its laws of development. Moreover, empirical science has made an attempt to define its own domains. On the example of famous novels the discussions about the most social issues of the real world are correlated with invented ideas of science fiction writers. We can see a tendency of social development in accordance with diversified laws and not in accordance with the principles of bureaucracy. Science fiction has a lot of admirers around the world. It is widely discussed and paid much attention to. It is a kind of innovative representation and reconsideration of human conditions. In accordance with Jules Verne called, his novels were “voyages extraordinaire”, and H. G. Wells was writing in the field of “scientific romance.” It is rather difficult to understand the main idea of the authors of science fiction. On the one hand, they are focused on discussing allusions or different fake representations of different issues (Westfahl and Slusser, 2002). On the other hand, they follow the laws of the human nature development. Very often the main characters of science fiction novels are humanized. They are often very much concerned about human feelings, such as love, friendship etc. and this makes science fiction more attractive. Very often these stories gain approval of a various audience. For example, women who usually do not like such reading can also read these stories and not be afraid of different interesting or unreal creatures. In any case, different readers have their own chances to underline what they want to read in the science fiction books. Publishers are printing what readers will like for sure. The authors of science fiction There is no doubt that the authors of science fiction books introduce an innovative vision and creative ideas. It is surely a literature of change. For example, in the novels by Isaac Asimov humanity is fighting against the fall of the Galactic Empire. This author made an attempt to popularize science. Thanks to his creative mind he managed to represent the issue of biochemistry in a popular manner. He followed his scientific logic and managed to represent it to the readers in a comprehensible manner. He wanted to understand a possible future of the generations that concerned human ability to rule their future empires. He turned his attention to so-called scientific sociology. In case mankind colonizes galaxy, it will be very difficult for them to deal at the new level. He is a great scientist, sociologist and deals with the issues of fiction as with the means of science popularization for the mankind. Asimov claimed: “the human conglomerate be itself unaware of psycho-historic analysis in order that its reactions be truly random” (Foundation’s Triumph by David Brin). In the integrative work the "Encyclopedia Galactica" human knowledge was collected in order to reshape galactic society. He drew parallels between scientific and historical vision of future of the humankind. He underlined and promoted an immense power of a human mind. It is possible to say, that Asimov created his own world, full of skilled humans, which will be able to have power and explicate their powers around the world (Slusser, 2007). He wanted to place the main characters on the top of the roof in order they could see the world around them better. He also discusses a human-robot conflict, which is popular for other writers of scientific fiction. In the novel by Frank Herbert “Dune” there is a need for humanity to change stereotypes of their lives, remain more open and tolerant to the environment and be able to survive under different complicated conditions (Slusser, 2007). Herbert placed his main characters under ancient political regime and very often the contemporary characters managed to deal with the challenges of the ancient times. Moreover, this novel concerns with change of human condition. Fremen is a powerful social entity, which is able to resist ancient powers. Humanity is subjected to external changes and is motivated either by drugs or by gold and money. In such a way, in science fiction the author shows a controversial development of a human kind. Moreover, Herbert shows that his main characters have human features, but they are subjected to the laws of a strange society. It may be claimed that human condition is subjected to different laws of environmental development. In a recent novel by Coupland “Generation X” a widening gap of generations’ split is underlined. He talks about cyberspace and real world. He opposes these two worlds and underlines the necessity for human beings to remain “clear” with clear minds. A creation of a modern reality is considered by the author as an inevitable perspective for the modern society development. Coupland claims that there are no more linear modes of behavior of the contemporaries. It is better to develop societies in compliance with diversified worldviews of the modernity. There are two basic laws of a modern humankind development: there is a bipolar system of development of the society, which refers to the laws of computer technologies, which are based on a binary system. The main characters of the novel Andy, Dag, and Claire had to make a challenging choice: whether to turn into robots or remain humans (Jones, 1999). They do not want to live under conditions of a well-structured human world. They are more interested in living more freely. There is a need to think about future, which is being developed in high gear. Unlike Asimov’s novel, the main characters of the novel are not focused on historical development of the society. Coupland shows diversified laws of social development. Generation X evokes numerous discussions among readers. Many of them are interested in a potentially hazardous development of the society, in case bureaucratic norms of the society’s development will last forever. On the other hand, the modern society should be more technologically-savvy and discard all bureaucratic concerns. Therefore, in the society presented in the novel by Coupland, there is a claim that changes and innovations should be introduced in order to develop technologically advanced society. Technology is often positioned as a perfect way for facilitation of a human life. Moreover, the writers of science fiction are often on the way of identification of their imagined characters with people from the real world. Conclusion Therefore, there is a need to consider science fiction as a perfect alternative for development of human condition. Different writers managed to represent the most relevant issues of the modern society from the real world in the virtual context. Famous novels show that the discussions about many social issues are connected with ideas of science fiction creators. There is a unique representation of different social issues in the science fiction. Science and technology are two basic pillars the modern world is based on. Therefore, it is relevant to consider the most crucial social issues from the perspective of these two important fields. Technology and science develop an innovative vision of the world and humanity should explore new ways of their development. Maybe, there are other cyber species in our galaxy, but the contemporaries should also be focused on their technologically-savvy potential in order to project their knowledge on reaching social goals. Asimov and Coupland are positioned as prominent explorers of human condition in science fiction. These writers consider contemporaries as individuals, who should discard social norms of development and worn-out behavioral or moral templates. Works cited Foundation’s Triumph by David Brin. [online]. Available at: http://www.scifi-review.net/foundations-triumph-by-david-brin.html [Accessed Dec 29, 2012]. Jones, G., 1999. Deconstructing the Starships: Science, Fiction, and Reality. Liverpool University Press. Slusser, G., 2007. Paranormality: Science Fictions Holy Grail. Contributors: George - author. Yearbook of English Studies 37 (2), pp. 24+. Westfahl, G. G. and Slusser, G., 2002. Science Fiction, Canonization, Marginalization, and the Academy. Greenwood Press. Read More