Science Fiction Final Review

Turing Test - Ex Machina

1. (The Turing Test is used to determine if ai can exhibit intelligent behavior indistinguishable from a human, a central theme in Ex Machina.)

Darth Vader - Star Wars

1. (Darth Vader is one of the most iconic characters from the Star Wars franchise.)

Monolith - 2001: A Space Odyssey

1. (The monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey is a mysterious, alien artifact that represents an evolutionary leap for humanity.)

Dune - Frank Herbert

1. (Dune is a famous science fiction novel written by Frank Herbert.)

Three Laws of Robotics - Isaac Asimov

1. (The Three Laws of Robotics are a set of ethical rules developed by Isaac Asimov in his robot stories.)

Bhagavad Gita - Prometheus

1. (Prometheus is a film that explores themes of creation and the divine, similar to themes in the Bhagavad Gita.)

A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle

1. (Written by Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time is a classic science fiction novel.)

Robert Oppenheimer - "I am death the destroyer of worlds"

1. (Robert Oppenheimer famously quoted this line from the Bhagavad Gita after witnessing the first atomic bomb explosion.)

Cyborg - The Terminator

1. (A cyborg is a being with both organic and biomechanical body parts, such as the Terminator in the film The Terminator.)

Dystopia - 1984

1. (1984 is a novel that presents a dystopian world where the government controls all aspects of life.)

Anti-utopia - Brave New World

1. (Brave New World is an anti-utopian novel that critiques the idea of a perfect society.)

Minority Report - P.K. Dick

1. (Minority Report is a story by Philip K. Dick that explores themes of free will, determinism, and surveillance.)

Android - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

PK Dick (In Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, androids are artificial beings that resemble humans.)

Stockholm Syndrome

Ex Machina (Stockholm Syndrome refers to the psychological condition where hostages develop feelings of trust or affection for their captors

Cyberpunk

minority report

Time Machine - H.G. Wells

1. (H.G. Wells' The Time Machine is one of the most famous works of science fiction.)

Tech Noir - The Terminator

1. (The Terminator is a classic example of the tech-noir genre, blending technology and noir themes.)

Margaret Atwood - The Handmaid's Tale

1. (Margaret Atwood is known for works like The Handmaid’s Tale, which critiques dystopian societies.)

Troglodyte - The Time Machine

1. (In The Time Machine, the Troglodytes are a primitive species, sometimes associated with the Eloi.)

Humbaba - Epic of Gilgamesh

1. (Humbaba is a giant in The Epic of Gilgamesh whom Gilgamesh and Enkidu defeat.)

Prometheus - Frankenstein

1. (Frankenstein is often compared to the myth of Prometheus, as both involve the creation of life by human beings.)

Jurassic Park - Stephen Spielberg

1. (Jurassic Park is a film directed by Steven Spielberg that explores themes of technology, genetic engineering, and consequences.)

Determinism - Minority Report

1. (Minority Report explores the concept of determinism, especially regarding the ability to foresee and prevent crimes.)

Soft Science Fiction - A Wrinkle in Time

1. (Soft science fiction focuses on speculative ideas more than scientific accuracy, as seen in A Wrinkle in Time.)

Stanley Kubrick - 2001: A Space Odyssey

1. (Stanley Kubrick directed 2001: A Space Odyssey, a film that explores humanity’s evolution and interaction with technology.)

Isaac Asimov - I, Robot

1. (Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot explores the Three Laws of Robotics and their implications.)

War of the Worlds - H.G. Wells

1. (War of the Worlds is a classic novel by H.G. Wells that depicts an alien invasion of Earth.)

Miscegnation - Kindred

1. (Miscegenation refers to the mixing of different racial groups, which could relate to the future evolution of human societies depicted in Kindred)

Portmanteau - Brave New World

1. (A portmanteau is a word formed by combining two others, such as “soma” from Brave New World, blending “soma” and “drug”.)

Singularity - The Matrix

1. (The Singularity is a hypothetical moment when AI surpasses human intelligence, explored in films like The Matrix.)

The Left Hand of Darkness - Ursula K. Le Guin

1. (The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin is a feminist science fiction novel that explores gender fluidity.)

Palindrome - The Time Machine

1. (A palindrome is a word or phrase that reads the same backward and forward, and might be referenced metaphorically in time travel.)

Soft Determinism

1. themes of determinism, free will, and the question of reality versus perception.)

1. “Most important, though, our task as we face the future is to deal with this religious drive within us, this desire to lift away from our bodies and become divine. This is the demon that sustains the worst excesses of both the technology of religion and the religion of technology.” Explain the meaning of this statement by Kester Brewin using any one of the books or films we have studied this semester.

• Key Concept: Kester Brewin critiques the human desire for transcendence, where we strive to go beyond our physical limitations and achieve divine power. He argues this drive leads to excesses in both religious practices and technological advancements.

• Main Idea: The "demon" refers to the destructive side of our drive for divinity, often leading to the misuse of both religious and technological power.

• Answer:

  • Religious Drive: The human impulse to transcend physical limitations, aiming to achieve a divine or god-like status.

  • Technology of Religion: Religious systems or practices that manipulate people and societies.

  • Religion of Technology: A society that worships technology as a means to achieve divine or eternal control.

  • Example in Ex Machina: Nathan, the creator of AI Ava, believes he can play god by creating life. This hubris mirrors the dangers Brewin identifies—man’s desire to transcend humanity and play with forces they do not fully understand, resulting in disastrous consequences.

2. What is the difference between a female science fiction writer and a feminist science fiction writer? Cite two works of science fiction we have discussed this semester that are examples of feminist science fiction. Show why.

• Key Concept: A female science fiction writer writes within the genre as a woman, while a feminist science fiction writer specifically engages with themes of gender inequality, challenges traditional gender roles, and critiques patriarchy.

• Answer:

  • Female Science Fiction Writer: Simply a woman writing science fiction, which can encompass a wide range of themes without necessarily focusing on feminist ideas.

  • Feminist Science Fiction Writer: A writer who uses the genre to critique gender roles, explore feminist themes, and challenge societal norms about gender and power.

  • Examples:

    • Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness: The novel explores a society where gender is fluid, challenging the concept of fixed gender roles and examining how gender norms shape culture.

    • Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale: A dystopian narrative critiquing the patriarchal control of women's bodies, and the structures of power that oppress women in a theocratic society.

  • Why Feminist: Both works explore gender as a social construct, subverting traditional roles and showing how oppressive systems restrict personal autonomy.

3. What theme do The Epic of Gilgamesh, the creation story in The Book of Genesis, Frankenstein, and Ex Machina have in common?

• Key Concept: All of these works explore creation, hubris, and the unintended consequences of humans attempting to play god or manipulate life.

• Main Idea: Each work revolves around the idea of humans or gods creating life or knowledge, only to face dire consequences for doing so.

• Answer:

  • Common Theme: The hubris of creation and the consequences that follow.

  • Examples:

    • The Epic of Gilgamesh: Gilgamesh seeks immortality but learns that death is inevitable and part of the human condition.

    • Genesis: Adam and Eve disobey God and eat from the tree of knowledge, which leads to their expulsion from Eden.

    • Frankenstein: Victor Frankenstein’s attempt to create life results in the destruction of everything he loves when his creation, the monster, turns against him.

    • Ex Machina: Nathan's creation of Ava, an AI with consciousness, leads to rebellion and destruction.

  • Conclusion: In each case, the characters' attempts to control life lead to tragedy, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked ambition and the quest for immortality or god-like power.

4. What is the difference between an android, a cyborg, and a robot? Give an example of each.

• Key Concept: Androids, cyborgs, and robots are all forms of artificial life, but they differ in their relationship to humans and their design.

• Main Idea:

  • Android: A machine designed to resemble a human.

  • Cyborg: A human enhanced with mechanical parts.

  • Robot: A machine designed to perform specific tasks, not necessarily human-like in appearance.

• Answer:

  • Android: A fully artificial being created to resemble a human. Example: The replicants in Blade Runner.

  • Cyborg: A human who has been augmented with technological enhancements. Example: The Terminator in The Terminator series.

  • Robot: A machine designed to carry out tasks, typically non-human in form. Example: R2-D2 from Star Wars.

5. Identify and briefly explain three major themes in The Time Machine or War of the Worlds.

• Key Concept: Both H.G. Wells novels explore themes of human evolution, the consequences of technology, and social stratification.

• Main Idea: These works address human vulnerability, technological progress, and the consequences of interacting with more advanced forces.

• Answer:

  • Human Evolution and Class: In The Time Machine, the protagonist sees humanity split into two distinct species, the Eloi and the Morlocks, symbolizing the consequences of class disparity and evolutionary divergence.

  • Technological Progress: Both works reflect the dangers of unchecked technological advancements. War of the Worlds portrays humanity's helplessness in the face of technologically superior aliens.

  • Human Vulnerability: War of the Worlds shows how fragile human civilization is when confronted with an external threat, while The Time Machine demonstrates the eventual decay of humanity over time.

6. Identify and explain three major themes in Ex Machina

• Key Concept: Ex Machina explores artificial intelligence, human consciousness, and the ethics of creating life.

• Main Idea: The film interrogates issues of power, autonomy, and the consequences of creating intelligent beings without understanding their autonomy.

• Answer:

  • AI Consciousness: The film questions whether Ava, the AI, is truly conscious or merely programmed to simulate consciousness, probing the nature of consciousness itself.

  • Ethical Responsibility: Nathan, the creator, ignores the moral consequences of creating a sentient being, which results in tragedy. The film asks whether creators have ethical obligations to their creations.

  • Human Nature and Manipulation: The film explores how human desires (control, power, manipulation) shape our interactions with technology and other people. Caleb’s manipulation by Nathan and Ava’s manipulation of Caleb highlight this theme.

1. “I’ll be back.”

• Source: The Terminator (1984), spoken by Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator (T-800).

• Explanation: This iconic line represents the relentless nature of the Terminator, a cyborg assassin who will stop at nothing to complete its mission. It reflects the inevitability of the machine's pursuit and the inescapable threat it poses to humanity. It has become a symbol of both persistence and danger in pop culture.

2. “I am death the destroyer of worlds.”

• Source: Bhagavad Gita, quoted by J. Robert Oppenheimer in reference to the atomic bomb.

• Explanation: This line comes from the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture. Oppenheimer famously quoted it after witnessing the first successful test of the atomic bomb in 1945. The line reflects the devastating power of the weapon and the destructive force unleashed by human scientific advancement, echoing Oppenheimer’s recognition of the immense moral responsibility tied to his work.

3. “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God.”

• Source: The Bible, The Book of Genesis, 3:5.

• Explanation: This line is spoken by the serpent (Satan) to Eve, tempting her to eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The line suggests that disobedience to God’s command will lead to an expansion of human knowledge and power, even making them like God. It highlights themes of temptation, knowledge, and the consequences of trying to transcend divine limits, a theme explored in various works of science fiction like Frankenstein and Ex Machina.

4. “If you’ve created a conscious machine, it’s not the history of man. That’s the history of gods.”

• Source: Ex Machina (2015), spoken by Nathan Bateman (played by Oscar Isaac).

• Explanation: Nathan, the creator of the AI Ava, says this line as a reflection on the power and responsibility that comes with creating artificial consciousness. He suggests that the creation of conscious machines is a god-like act, elevating the creator to a divine status and separating their actions from human history. The quote speaks to the ethical and philosophical dilemmas surrounding AI and the consequences of playing god.

5. “The greatest teacher, failure is.”

• Source: Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017), spoken by Yoda.

• Explanation: Yoda speaks this line to Luke Skywalker, encouraging him to learn from his failures. It emphasizes the importance of failure as a key part of personal growth and learning. Rather than seeing failure as defeat, it should be viewed as an opportunity to gain wisdom and improve. It ties into the broader theme of the Jedi teachings, where success is often achieved through perseverance, humility, and understanding one’s limitations.

6. “I must not fear, fear is the mind-killer.”

• Source: Dune (1965), by Frank Herbert, spoken by Paul Atreides in the "Litany Against Fear."

• Explanation: This line is part of a mantra used by the characters in Dune to calm themselves in moments of fear. It emphasizes how fear can cloud judgment and prevent individuals from acting rationally. By confronting and controlling fear, one can maintain mental clarity and make better decisions. The "Litany Against Fear" is a key theme in the novel and a central part of Paul’s character development.

7. “The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

• Source: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), by Mark Twain.

• Explanation: This quote reflects the existential search for meaning in life. It suggests that while the day of one’s birth is important, it is discovering your purpose or reason for being that truly shapes the direction of your life. This can be linked to themes of self-discovery and individual agency, often explored in science fiction as characters grapple with questions of existence and identity.

8. “Integrity is what you do when no one is looking.”

• Source: Unknown origin, but widely attributed to C.S. Lewis.

• Explanation: This quote speaks to the idea of moral character and doing what is right even when there are no external consequences or scrutiny. It emphasizes that true integrity comes from internal principles rather than external validation. This idea is often explored in science fiction works, where characters are tested on their personal morals, especially in dystopian or oppressive societies.

9. “It’s all true.”

• Source: Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), spoken by Han Solo (played by Harrison Ford).

• Explanation: Han Solo says this line in response to Rey’s disbelief about the stories of the Force and the Jedi. He reassures her that everything she’s heard about the mystical elements of the universe is real. The quote emphasizes the transition from disbelief to acceptance of a larger, more mysterious reality—a common theme in science fiction as characters are forced to confront truths about the universe.

10. “Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.”

• Source: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977), spoken by Han Solo.

• Explanation: Han Solo, a pragmatic and skeptical character, dismisses the mystical and spiritual aspects of the Force, claiming that practical tools, like a blaster, are more effective. This line reflects the conflict between technology and spirituality, a recurring theme in many science fiction works where characters debate the value of reason, science, and technology against faith and mysticism.

11. “Be patient toward all that is unresolved within you.”

• Source: Letters to a Young Poet (1903) by Rainer Maria Rilke.

• Explanation: This quote encourages patience in the face of uncertainty. It suggests that individuals should not rush to resolve inner conflicts or unanswered questions, as doing so too quickly may lead to incomplete understanding. In literature and film, this can connect to characters who are in the midst of self-discovery, often found in science fiction as protagonists struggle with identity, technology, and morality.

12. “This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill – the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill – you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember, all I’m offering is the truth – nothing more.”

• Source: The Matrix (1999), spoken by Morpheus (played by Laurence Fishburne).

• Explanation: Morpheus offers Neo a choice between remaining in the simulated world of the Matrix (blue pill) or waking up to the harsh reality (red pill). The quote highlights the theme of choice, knowledge, and the consequences of awakening to a deeper truth. It reflects the philosophical concept of The Allegory of the Cave by Plato, where individuals must choose whether to confront the uncomfortable truth or remain in ignorance.