Sci-Fi Odyssey: A Tour Through the Great Works of Speculative Fiction – Roger Williams

Come join David White for the next installment of a salon series dedicated to exploring the themes, ideas, and world-building of science fiction.

We will be venturing into the world of The Metamorphosis of Prime Intellect.  The novel depicts a world after the invention of a super intelligent computer who generates a technological singularity. We will explore the implications of exploding technological progress, the nature of desire in a world where reality can be altered at will, and how our culture is altered by such technology.

The Metamorphosis of Prime Intellect  depicts a world where all of the basic needs of humanity have long since disappeared including death. As we invent increasing powerful technologies, we will also need to contend with the possibility and cultural impact of such technologies. Science fiction at its best can help us understand a world that isn’t here yet or analogize our way towards solving our cultural problems.

The singularity is an interesting stage for a novel because it challenges many of the fundamental assumptions of our current society. What does it mean to be human when there is no death? How should you structure your life? What is human life worth when it is trivial to reconstruct one’s self? What do we owe each other in such a world? Scarcity defines many of our implicit social structures and life patterns. We will explore these questions and much more.

Suggested Reading:

• The Metamorphosis of Prime Intellect– Roger Williams

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