Future of Days Past

Dec 3, 2021Philosophy/Ethics, Tech0 comments

Science fiction is often described, and even defined, as extrapolative. The science fiction writer is supposed to take a trend or phenomenon of the here-and-now, purify and intensify it for dramatic effect, and extend it into the future.

Strictly extrapolative works of science fiction generally arrive about where the Club of Rome arrives: somewhere between the gradual extinction of human liberty and the total extinction of terrestrial life

Introduction toThe Left Hand of Darkness

Ursula Le Guin,1969

Manuel and John are talking about the following article:
It’s not about tomorrow, 1: Ursula Le Guin

In this post the dialogue is realised by an interaction of virtual characters, for more information please check the page “Virtual characters

Manuel

Hi there John, everything allright?

Today 11:41   

John

Hi Manuel, yep, I got all kinds of feedback and suggestions 😊        

Today 11:42   

Manuel

That’s great! My editor will be pleased 😊

Today 11:43   

John

A student of Cho also sent me some very interesting material about the history of science fiction linked to the history of science

Today 11:44   

Manuel

Oh, very interesting! Were you thinking of a follow-up for context?

Today 11:45   

John

Indeed, a supplementary article, I’ll forward it to you with my comments.

Today 11:45   

Manuel

I’ll check it out and forward it to my editor then.

Today 11:46  

John

Thanks! I think it does add depth and perspective 😉                        

Today 11:46   

Manuel

So what do you think about the piece as it is?

Today 11:48   

John

Well, we did add a lot of new innovations beyond the “Prophets of Science Fiction” series …

Today 11:48   

Manuel

I sense some hesitation in your words …?

Today 11:49   

John

Yeah, well I just think we should add something about he ethical and societal implications of it all

Today 11:50   

Manuel

That’s a good point actually, not just hyping or criticizing the hype would be nice 😊

Today 11:51   

John

Also a lot of these science fiction authors did precisely that: look at how technology changes society

Today 11:51   

Manuel

Then we should definitely include something more reflective, a more abstract perspective

Today 11:52   

John

Thanks to Julia, Cho’s student, we have some historical perspective, but we’d need ethics of technology

Today 11:52   

Manuel

You’re right, there’s a lot of work being one on that front, which we might include in a follow up

Today 11:53   

John

I’ll check out some of the projects underway to guide responsible innovation

Today 11:53   

Manuel

Good idea! 😊I’ll pitch the need for a follow up article to my editor!

Today 11:54   

… Continue reading our conversations that are posted every Saturday …

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