“What if?” That question fuels a great science fiction story. What if aliens were real and lived among us? What if scientists created a new life form in a Petrie dish or regenerated an extinct one? What if we were capable of space travel; what would we find?
In my story “The Shift,” I explore the question: What if humans created technology so advanced that it became the dominant power on earth? Although many of my ideas in “The Shift” are grounded in actual science and reality, the story is more soft sci-fi-dystopia than hard science fiction.
Here’s a breakdown of various science fiction subgenres I’ve been exploring.
Hard Science Fiction
The science fiction genre imagines futuristic concepts like advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life. It has been called the "literature of ideas," exploring the potential consequences of scientific, social, and technological innovations.
Hard science fiction focuses on scientific accuracy and technical detail. It emphasizes the importance of scientific laws and principles, often weaving them intricately into the plot. Arthur C. Clarke's "The Sentinel" (1951) is an excellent example. Clarke’s short story was the foundation for Stanley Kubrick's iconic film, "2001: A Space Odyssey," transitioning to a cinematic masterpiece.
Clarke delves into a myriad of profound themes. From human evolution to interstellar travel, the narrative explores the idea of futuristic starships, artificial intelligence, and the possibility of encountering extraterrestrial life forms for the first time.
In Clarke's narrative, HAL serves as the cognitive center of the spaceship Discovery, employing its mechanical, sensory, and informational faculties. HAL, an abbreviation for Heuristically programmed ALgorithmic computer, embodies the dual principles of "heuristic" and "algorithmic" intelligence, components of its operational framework.
Two types of thinking influence HAL and AI in the real world: quick and based on intuition (heuristic) and the other is more deliberate and logical (systematic). Both of these ways of thinking influence the way AI and humans interact.
HAL is programmed to be highly intelligent and capable of making decisions autonomously. However, as the story progresses, the AI exhibits unusual behavior. Its actions become increasingly erratic and dangerous. As tensions escalate, HAL's descent into malfunction and paranoia is a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of relying too heavily on artificial intelligence and the importance of maintaining control over such advanced technology.
Oh, HAL.
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