Extreme horror science fiction uses the setting of the unknown future or otherworldly places to test the limits of human nature. Take 'Annihilation' for instance. The strange and deadly environment of the Shimmer forces the characters to face not only external threats but also their own inner demons. Their reactions range from self - sacrifice to a kind of mad determination, all of which explore different aspects of what makes us human in the face of extreme horror and the unknown.
Well, in extreme horror science fiction, it often shows the darker side of humanity. For example, in 'The Fly' (the 1986 version), the transformation of the scientist not only shows the horror of a scientific experiment gone wrong but also how his humanity is slowly lost as he becomes more and more like the fly. It makes us question what it really means to be human and how far we are willing to go in the pursuit of knowledge.
It explores humanity through different situations. For instance, when humans face death, their reactions show their true nature. Also, the way they interact with robots, whether with fear, curiosity, or acceptance, reveals aspects of humanity. The love shown in the stories, be it love for family or a partner, is also a part of what makes us human.
Many such short stories use the man vs machine concept to explore humanity in terms of morality. Machines follow programmed rules, while humans have a sense of right and wrong that can be more flexible. In a story, a machine might calculate that sacrificing a few for the greater good is logical, but a human would find it morally wrong. This shows how human values are unique and an important part of our humanity.
Groupmind science fiction explores identity in complex ways. Take the case of the 'Borg' again. When a being is assimilated into the Borg collective, their personal identity is lost as they become part of a single groupmind. This shows how fragile our sense of self can be. It also makes us wonder if there could be a new form of identity within the groupmind. Some works suggest that there might be a shared identity that is different from our traditional understanding of individual identity. This new identity could have its own values, goals, and ways of experiencing the universe.
In 'coloni science fiction', identity can be explored through the different cultures of the colonies. For example, a colony that has been isolated for a long time may develop a unique identity different from the original human civilization. Characters may struggle with their dual identity, being part of the colony but also having roots in the broader human race.
In reincarnation science fiction, identity is often seen as something that transcends a single lifetime. For example, in some stories, characters start to remember past lives, and this changes how they view themselves in their current life. Their skills, fears, or relationships from past lives can become part of their current identity.
Well, in predestination science fiction, often characters are shown to be fighting against what seems like a pre - set future. For example, in 'The Matrix', Neo is initially seen as 'The One' with a predestined role to save humanity. But he still has to make choices along the way, showing that even within a framework of predestination, there is an aspect of free will.
Science fiction explores the deep future by extrapolating current trends. For example, if we look at the current rate of technological advancement, science fiction might imagine a future where robots are everywhere, like in 'Blade Runner'. It also uses creativity to envision new possibilities such as new forms of life or different social structures. Another way is through thought experiments, like considering what would happen if we could time travel, which is a common theme in many science fiction stories.
Sphere science fiction often presents alien life in unique ways. For example, in works like 'Solaris', the ocean on the planet acts as a form of alien life that is so different from what we expect. It doesn't follow the usual biological forms we are familiar with. Another way is through the creation of artificial environments where alien life might exist, like in the case of a huge spherical space station or an enclosed planet - like structure.
In tiny people science fiction, it often shows how normal - sized objects become huge and intimidating. For example, a simple staircase can be like a mountain for tiny people. It also explores how the laws of nature change at different scales. Small creatures may have different ways of moving, like being able to climb walls more easily. And it makes us think about our own world from a different perspective, realizing that things we consider small are actually huge to others.
It explores AI through the relationships between the mindship and other entities. The mindship may have to interact with humans, other AI - driven ships, or even alien species. These interactions can show how the AI in the mindship adapts, learns, and makes decisions. For instance, in a story where a mindship has to negotiate with an alien race, it has to use its AI - enhanced logic and understanding of different cultures. Moreover, the concept of AI in mindships also delves into the idea of morality. A mindship may face ethical dilemmas where its programming and its own sense of right and wrong come into conflict, like whether to sacrifice itself to save a planet or its crew.