“Any sufficiently advanced technology appears to be magic.” Arhur C. Clerk
The question we wish to pose is: “When looking at those times when science fiction has seemed to predict a change in technology or social behavior, are we witnessing a real effect, or only a coincidental alignment of circumstances?” Can 'Art,' in general, influence technology and society?
Did the Sinclair Lewis novel "It Can't Happen Here" prevent the rise of a demagogue in the USA in the 1930’s? Are we seeing George Orwell’s 1984 vision of “Big Brother is watching” in the NSA surveillance of our phone calls and email messages and in the rise of universal facial recognition software in China?
We have asked our keynote speaker and our panelists to consider these questions and analyze them from several points of view:
Is the linkage real, or just a fanciful illusion?
If the effect is real, are the authors aware of any influence they may have?
Given the views of many possible futures, can Science Fiction help us change our future for the better?
And, what about ‘Magic’? Arthur C. Clarke, the brilliant futurist and writer said: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." What can we do with those phenomena that have been observed but not yet scientifically understood? Do we dismiss them, seek to bring them into the scientific discourse, or embrace the mysticism?
Come join us for this FREE Conference: engage with our speakers and join in the panel discussions and networking sessions embedded in the schedule. We look forward to greeting you all and engaging in both serious discussions and flights of fancy.
Speaker(s): , Karen Burham,
Agenda:
8:30 Sign-in – Networking
9:00 Noon Keynote Address – TBD: “<<>>”
9:00 1st Panel / "Where does SF become Fantasy and visa-versa?"
10:00 2nd Panel / “In what ways may SF and Fantasy help guide our future?"
10:30 3rd Panel / “We see Science Fiction Influence Technical and Social Change, what does Fantasy do?
11:00 Roundtable Open Discussion.
12:00 Wrap up & conclusion of conference.
(We look forward to seeing you all here next year to expand the discussion.)
Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/361572