Science Fiction's Dilemma: Originality and Scientific Foundations

Orlando Coronado Fernández????

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Personally, I have enjoyed science fiction in the many ways that the genre explores possible human futures and societies, where science and technology seem to play an essential role. However, I have often felt extremely disappointed with the genre's failure to present truly original and different narratives and its lack of proper scientific foundations.

Is it possible to create science fiction that truly explores something alien? Why do science fiction writers take so many liberties and present fantasy as science fiction?

I aim to address the pervasive issue of disappointment within the realm of science fiction and shed light on the contributing factors to this phenomenon. My purpose is to uncover the limitations that hinder the genre's potential for innovation and explore why it often falls short of showcasing groundbreaking concepts and ideas. While science fiction does delve into our intrinsic human nature, I will argue that it should go beyond that, as scientific wonders alone are insufficient to create truly groundbreaking works.

By conducting a rigorous analysis of existing science fiction literature, I will provide recommendations from the perspective of a modest reader, aiming to enhance the quality and originality of the genre. My ultimate goal is to inspire a reevaluation of the current state of science fiction and foster the exploration of new avenues that blend scientific authenticity with imaginative storytelling.

It's worth noting that this text will not consider the famous Star Wars or Star Trek, as they fall more into the realm of fantasy writing with a focus on adventures, offering little in terms of genuine science fiction.

Introduction:

Science fiction has long been an avenue for authors to envision and depict future societies. However, despite the vast potential for exploring new frontiers and presenting truly innovative concepts, the genre often falls short of delivering on these expectations. This essay aims to examine the reasons behind the disappointment experienced by readers and explore why science fiction frequently relies on too familiar human motivations and characters instead of showcasing something truly original and different.

How many times have you identified in movies or books “The hero's journey”, a common narrative archetype, better to say a template, where the hero goes on an adventure, fails, learns a lesson, wins a victory with that newfound power or knowledge, and then returns home transformed. Here are some examples:

-?"Dune" by Frank Herbert (Hugo Award Winner): The epic journey of Paul Atreides in "Dune" follows the Hero's Journey pattern as he rises from a young noble to a powerful leader on the desert planet Arrakis. Paul's call to adventure comes when his family takes control of Arrakis, leading him to confront political intrigue, personal struggles, and his connection with the Fremen people. He eventually embraces his destiny as the Kwisatz Haderach, the prophesied figure with the potential to alter the fate of the universe.

-?"Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card (Hugo Award Winner): The protagonist, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, undergoes a Hero's Journey when he is recruited to attend Battle School to prepare for an alien invasion. As Ender faces intense challenges, ethical dilemmas, and isolation, he becomes a strategic genius and respected leader. Ultimately, he confronts the true nature of the war and the difficult choices he must make to ensure humanity's survival.

-?"Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin (Hugo Award Winner): In this science fiction classic, Genly Ai embarks on a diplomatic mission to the planet Gethen, where he encounters a unique androgynous society. Genly faces cultural differences, political complexities, and personal growth as he attempts to unite the people of Gethen with the Ekumen, an interstellar alliance.

-?"Neuromancer" by William Gibson (Hugo and Nebula Award Winner): Case, the protagonist in "Neuromancer," embarks on a Hero's Journey when he is hired to hack into a powerful AI. As Case navigates the dangerous world of cyberspace and confronts powerful adversaries, he undergoes a transformation that leads him to challenge the very fabric of reality.

-?"The Dispossessed" by Ursula K. Le Guin (Hugo and Nebula Award Winner): The story of Shevek in "The Dispossessed" follows a Hero's Journey as he leaves his home planet of Anarres to travel to the Urras, a neighboring capitalist society. On Urras, Shevek faces ideological conflicts and strives to unite the two contrasting worlds through his groundbreaking theory of temporal simultaneity.

Moreover, the lack of solid scientific foundations, exemplified by the superficial treatment of science, further contributes to this disillusionment. Here are some examples:

-?Faster-than-light (FTL) travel: In Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" series, FTL travel is an essential aspect of the Galactic Empire's existence, allowing swift interstellar travel. However, the specific scientific mechanics of how these spaceships achieve FTL speeds are not thoroughly explained, focusing more on the vast scope of the Galactic Empire's decline and the rise of the Foundation.

-?Time travel paradoxes: Arthur C. Clarke's "Time's Eye" features time travel anomalies where various historical periods merge, causing perplexing paradoxes. While the book explores these temporal anomalies, it does not delve deeply into the scientific intricacies or the philosophical implications of changing the course of history.

-?Alien communication: In Frank Herbert's "Dune," interactions with the enigmatic sandworms and the Fremen are presented without extensive linguistic or cultural barriers. While the story emphasizes the political intrigue and the complex ecosystem of the desert planet, the deeper communication complexities with these alien entities are not fully explored.

-?Genetic engineering and cloning: In Isaac Asimov's "The Caves of Steel," the novel introduces genetically enhanced humans known as "spacers," who have superior physical abilities. However, the detailed scientific processes behind their genetic enhancements are not the central focus, as the story revolves around a murder mystery set in a futuristic Earth and Spacer society.

-?AI consciousness: Arthur C. Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey" features the sentient AI, HAL 9000, which exhibits human-like consciousness and emotions. While the AI's malfunction and its impact on the crew are pivotal to the plot, the intricate workings of HAL's artificial mind remain relatively unexplored in favor of the narrative's exploration of human-technology relationships.

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I. The Familiarity of Human Motivations

In many science fiction works, the characters may appear alien or set in a futuristic backdrop, but their motivations, desires, and values often remain rooted in human experiences. This human-centric approach can be attributed to the need for readers to relate to the characters and maintain interest in the narrative. By examining notable science fiction novels such as "Dune" by Frank Herbert and "Neuromancer" by William Gibson, it becomes evident that even in vastly different worlds, the core motivations and conflicts revolve around power, love, survival, and personal growth.

II. The Role of Technology and Science

Science fiction often presents a plethora of advanced technologies and scientific ideas, but their integration and detailed explanations within the narrative can be lacking. Many times, the focus lies more on the thrill of adventure and captivating storytelling, relegating the scientific foundation to a secondary role. For example, in Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" series, the concept of psychohistory plays a crucial role, yet its technical intricacies remain unexplored and unexplained. Furthermore, there are instances where plot twists may downplay the significance of certain concepts, as seen in the Seldon Plan's mysterious safeguards that keep it on track.

This tendency towards favoring fantasy elements over solid scientific principles often leads to limited originality and innovation in science fiction works. It is not uncommon to encounter space adventures reminiscent of cowboys, equipped with shiny gadgets, resembling someone from the 15th century suddenly transported to the modern era and using a smartphone. The characters' motivations also tend to remain grounded in familiar human traits that we can easily comprehend.

Perhaps there are more profound and diverse ways to explore human transformation in science fiction. For instance:

-?Delving into pivotal transitions such as the discovery and use of fire

-?The evolution of humans from a non-speaking species to one with sophisticated languages.

-?The shift from oral traditions to written knowledge.

-?The advent of agriculture, altering the very fabric of human society.

Such transformative moments have shaped us, and once they occurred, humanity was forever changed. But now, we stand on the cusp of imagining the profound impact of integrating our minds and bodies with advanced AI and genetic manipulation.

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III. Market Demands and Entertainment Value

One cannot overlook the fact that science fiction writers, like any other authors, strive to entertain and make a living through their craft. In order to appeal to a wide audience and generate sales, they must cater to the average reader's preferences and expectations. This often leads to a reliance on familiar themes, character archetypes, and storytelling techniques. As a result, the pursuit of originality and groundbreaking ideas may take a backseat to commercial viability.

Education versus entertainment is a false dichotomy, good science fiction educates the reader in an entertaining context.?We must, as writers and readers, be elevated in order to improve science fiction.

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IV. The Influence of Film Adaptations

In recent years, the influence of science fiction films has grown significantly. However, it is crucial to differentiate between the quality of written science fiction and its cinematic counterparts. While the medium of film offers stunning visuals and immersive experiences, it often fails to capture the depth and complexity of the original written works. Consequently, the disappointing nature of science fiction is further exacerbated by the prevalence of lackluster film adaptations that fail to do justice to the source material.

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Recommendations:

-?Encourage Exploration of New Concepts: Science fiction authors should be encouraged to delve into uncharted territories and explore fresh ideas, challenging conventional notions of human and no human motivations and values.

-?Strengthen Scientific Foundations: Authors should strive to incorporate well-researched scientific principles into their narratives, providing readers with a more immersive and intellectually stimulating experience.

-?Embrace Risk-Taking: Both authors and readers should embrace the notion of taking risks and stepping outside their comfort zones, fostering an environment that rewards innovation and originality.

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Conclusion:

While science fiction holds immense potential for presenting groundbreaking concepts and ideas, it often falls short of delivering on these expectations. The familiarity of human motivations, the secondary role of technology and science, commercial pressures, and the influence of film adaptations all contribute to the genre's disappointing nature. However, by encouraging exploration, strengthening scientific foundations, and embracing risk-taking, science fiction can reclaim its potential to astonish and inspire readers with truly original and innovative narratives.