Technology
Many novels explore the implications and complications put forth by technological advances. Artificial intelligence, cloning, gadgets. A few examples of technological science fiction are:
- The work of Philip K Dick: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968), the basis of the movie Bladerunner, includes artificial humans and animals. A Scanner Darkly (1977) includes a suit that can disguise its wearer as well as a device to let people see their own brain patterns.
- The work of Robert Heinlein: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress (1966) includes a cyborg; Starship Troopers (1959) has armored suits that magnify the wearer's strength.
- I, Robot (1950) by Isaac Asimov is the origin of the positronic brain
- The Resurrected Man (1998) by Sean Williams deals with the abuse of a teleportation machine and also includes a cryogenic- like hibernation.
- Other authors known for their technology: Greg Bear, David Brin, Arthur C Clarke, Larry Niven, Bruce Sterling, Neal Stephenson
Cyberpunk is “a genre of science fiction set in a lawless subculture of an oppressive society dominated by computer technology” according to the Oxford Dictionary. Some common images include hackers, cyberspace, and artificial intelligence (AI). Some examples of cyberpunk include:
- Neuromancer (1984) by William Gibson is one of the first and most widely known cyberpunk novels. Many staples of the sub-genre are here.
- Mirrorshades : The Cyberpunk Anthology (1986) edited by Bruce Sterling: A collection of short stories by early cyberpunk writers
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) by Phillip K Dick: Although this novel predates the cyberpunk movement, it is the basis for Blade Runner- a very cyberpunk movie.
- Other cyberpunk/postcyberpunk authors include Neal Stephenson, Greg Bear, John Shirley, Pat Cadigan
For a much more detailed account of cyberpunk culture visit The Cyberpunk Project
<===Part One: Hard Scifi vs Soft Scifi
===>Part Three: Military, Apocalypse and Aliens
===>Part Four: Alternate History, Time Travel and Humor
