Science fiction uses 'the other' to show our fears. If the 'other' is a menacing alien race, it reflects our fear of the unknown and invasion. For example, in many alien - invasion movies, humans fight to protect their planet from the 'other' invaders.
By presenting 'the other', science fiction also explores our capacity for acceptance. When humans interact with different alien species or advanced AIs in these stories, it shows whether we can tolerate and understand beings that are not like us. Take 'Avatar' for example, where some humans try to coexist with the Na'vi while others don't.
The 'other' in science fiction can also highlight our sense of superiority or inferiority. If the 'other' is a more advanced civilization, it might make humans feel inferior, and vice versa. In stories like 'Ender's Game', the interaction with the 'other' (the buggers) makes the characters question their own worth and capabilities. And this exploration of human nature through the concept of 'the other' is what makes science fiction so thought - provoking.
Psychic science fiction often shows how human nature can be affected by having psychic powers. For example, in stories, those with telepathy might struggle with privacy issues. They might have to deal with the burden of knowing others' thoughts, which can lead to isolation or a sense of superiority. This shows how humans react to power and knowledge that goes beyond the normal.
Westworld explores human nature through the actions of the guests in the park. Their often cruel and self - indulgent behavior towards the hosts shows the darker side of human nature, like our capacity for violence and lust. The guests feel they can do anything to the hosts without consequences, which reveals our innate sense of entitlement.
In'suicide science fiction', it often explores human nature through the lens of despair. Characters may be in a world that has become so dystopian or technologically overwhelming that they see no hope. Their decision to consider or attempt suicide shows how humans react to extreme situations. For instance, if a person is in a world where their identity is constantly being erased by some technological force, they might feel that death is the only escape, showing how we value our sense of self.
It shows human adaptability. People in the bunker have to adapt to a new, often restricted lifestyle. For example, they might have to ration food and water, which tests their ability to cope with scarcity. Also, it reveals human paranoia. Since they are in a confined space with limited knowledge of the outside world, characters may become paranoid about threats, whether real or imagined.
Well, it often shows the extremes of human nature. For example, in 'The Hunger Games', during the 'darkest hour' of the dystopian world, we see both the cruelty of those in power and the resilience of the main characters. The power - hungry Capitol represents the worst of human greed and the desire for control.
It shows how power can corrupt. The invisible man, with his new - found ability, starts to use it for his own gain and becomes more and more immoral. This reflects the idea that given extraordinary power, humans may not always use it for good.
In this type of fiction, it can explore human dominance. Sometimes, the human is in a position of power over the 'pet' - like creature. This can show how humans might handle power, whether they are kind or cruel in their treatment. It also delves into our curiosity. We are curious about different forms of life, and through 'human pet fiction', we can explore how we would interact with non - human entities that we might consider as pets in the context of the story. And this can range from a nurturing relationship to a more exploitative one.
Well, take 'Blind Lake' for example. The mystery at the research facility isolates the characters. Their responses to this isolation, the way they deal with not knowing what's really going on, shows how humans can be both curious and afraid at the same time. Wilson often uses these kinds of situations in his science - fiction to show the range of human emotions from hope to despair when faced with the unknown. His characters are often complex, with their own motives and desires, and as they interact in these strange science - fiction settings, we see different facets of human nature such as greed, selflessness, and the search for meaning.
First contact fiction often shows how humans react with fear. When faced with the unknown of an alien species, fear can drive actions like aggression or hiding. For example, in 'War of the Worlds', humans initially panic. It also shows curiosity, as in 'Contact' where the main character is eager to learn more about the aliens.
Mind reader fiction explores human nature by showing how people react when their thoughts are no longer private. For example, in some stories, characters with mind - reading abilities might discover the true intentions of others, which could be good or bad, revealing the duality of human nature.