Time travelTime travel is the hypothetical activity of traveling into the past or future. Time travel is a concept in philosophy, space, time and fiction, particularly science fiction. In fiction, time travel is typically achieved through the use of a device known as a time machine. The idea of a time machine was popularized by H. G. Wells's 1895 novel The Time Machine. It is uncertain whether time travel to the past would be physically possible.Definitions of science fictionThere have been many attempts at defining science fiction. This is a list of definitions that have been offered by authors, editors, critics and fans over the years since science fiction became a genre.
Parallel universes in fictionA parallel universe, also known as an alternate universe, world, or dimension, is a plot device in fiction which uses the notion of a hypothetical universe co-existing with another, typically to enable alternative narrative possibilities. The sum of all potential parallel universes that constitute reality is often called the "multiverse". The device serves several narrative purposes.
Climate fictionClimate fiction (sometimes shortened to cli-fi) is literature that deals with climate change. Generally speculative in nature but inspired by climate science, works of climate fiction may take place in the world as we know it, in the near future, or in fictional worlds experiencing climate change.
Speculative fictionSpeculative fiction is an umbrellagenre of fiction that encompasses all the subgenres that depart from realism, or strictly imitating everyday reality, instead presenting fantastical, supernatural, futuristic, or other highly imaginative realms or beings.
TranshumanismTranshumanism is an intellectual and cultural movement that advocates using existing, emerging, and speculative technologies to enhance humans beyond current natural limitations, particularly by extending longevity and improving cognition, health, and well-being. It draws on developments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as longstanding themes in science fiction.GenreGenre ( ZHAHN-rə; French for 'kind, sort') is any style or form of communication and art in any mode (written, spoken, digital, visual, auditory, etc.) with socially agreed-upon elements, or conventions, developed over time.
PosthumanismPosthumanism or post-humanism (meaning "after humanism" or "beyond humanism") is an idea in continental philosophy and critical theory responding to the presence of anthropocentrism in 21st-century thought. In general, posthumanism looks closely at how humans relate to other creatures, technology, and the world around them. This way of thinking can lead to a more detailed and accurate idea of what it means to be human.
Information technologyInformation technology (IT) is the study or use of computers, telecommunication systems and other devices to create, process, store, retrieve and transmit information. While the term is commonly used to refer to computers and computer networks, it also encompasses other information distribution technologies such as television and telephones. Information technology is an application of computer science and computer engineering.
Extraterrestrials in fictionAn extraterrestrial or alien is a lifeform that does not originate on Earth. Extraterrestrials are a common theme in modern science fiction but also appear in much earlier works.Utopian and dystopian fictionUtopian and dystopian fiction are subgenres of speculative fiction that explore extreme forms of social and political structures. A utopia is a setting that agrees with the author's ethos, having various attributes of another reality intended to appeal to readers. A dystopia offers the opposite: the portrayal of a setting that completely disagrees with the author's ethos. Some novels depict both types of society to more directly contrast their properties.
RoboticsDesign, construction, use, and application of robotsProgrammable Universal Machine for Assembly, one of the first industrial robots (1990)Robotics is the interdisciplinary study and practice of the design, construction, operation, and use of robots. A roboticist is someone who specializes in robotics.
Space explorationInvestigation of outer spaceBuzz Aldrin taking a core sample of the Moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 missionSelf-portrait of Curiosity rover on Mars's surface, 2012*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.