Is Science in Fiction Science?
Science fiction (SF) often presents scientific and technological ideas that predict the future in a logical and imaginative manner. One of the most compelling aspects of SF is its ability to extrapolate from current scientific knowledge, often envisioning new technologies and advancements as derivatives of seemingly unrelated inventions and concepts. For instance, a 3D printer technology developed for creating custom-made parts could extend to custom-made joiners for blood vessels. Similarly, automated surgical bots and delivery drones can be seen as logical follow-ups to existing robotic technologies.
The Relationship Between Science Fiction and Reality
Many of the best science fiction stories take real scientific principles and extend them into potential future realities. In some cases, the narrative itself may introduce an experimental or thought-provoking approach to discuss contemporary scientific topics. The Star Trek series is a notable example, as it often set discussions about cutting-edge scientific concepts within a science fiction framework, providing a platform for social and ethical discourse. This ability to blend fictional narratives with scientific elements distinguishes science fiction as a significant avenue for exploring and discussing real-world scientific theories and technologies.
Defined by Real Science
While science fiction often presents an extrapolation of current science, it is important to note that at its core, the genre is fundamentally rooted in science. Science fiction stories frequently involve partially true, partially fictitious laws and theories derived from real scientific principles. For example, the submarine in Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea can be seen as a pioneering extrapolation of the science of that period. Verne imagined submarines as a simple, watertight body, foreseeing the concept many decades before practical submarine technology became reality. In essence, science fiction serves as a professional portrait of real science, offering both a critique and an optimistic vision of future scientific advancements.
Extrapolation and Logical Progression
Science fiction often relies on extrapolation, imagining how current scientific principles might evolve into new technologies and practices in the future. A science fiction writer, such as Jules Verne, might look at the world around him and project forward based on existing scientific knowledge. For instance, observing fish diving underwater could inspire a novelist to imagine designing a similar mechanism for a submarine. However, while the idea might be logical and imaginative, it is ultimately the role of the scientist to bring these ideas to life through real-world experimentation and innovation. Therefore, while a novelist can envision a submarine based on fish behavior, it is the scientists who will actually build and test the real-world equivalent.
Conclusion
To conclude, while science fiction and real science share a symbiotic relationship, they operate on different planes. Science fiction, with its ability to extrapolate and imagine, can greatly influence scientific thought and innovation. However, it is real science that ultimately guides us through the development of new technologies and the advancement of our understanding of the universe. In essence, science fiction is a powerful tool for exploring the possibilities of science, but it is ultimately the scientific process that drives these possibilities towards reality.