The Laboratory of Science Fiction

In this course, you will explore the relationship between the human and technology in a variety of ways, and create your own piece of art. This academic year, you will be writing your own science fiction narrative. Critical reflection, ethical debates, philosophical theory and creative writing are the core methods of this course.

The course zooms in on the very frontiers of life science and technology, and on the (re-)definition of what it means to be human. For, from autonomous robots, via chip implants to deep brain stimulation the boundaries between human and machine seem to fade. It confronts us with all kinds of challenges and questions. Moral, social and existential questions arise, for instance (resp.) 'Can robots make moral decisions?' 'What if only the rich would have access to new technologies?' ''Could technology change human nature?'

The 'Laboratory of Science Fiction' is a place to experiment with the possibilities of science and address these questions. The process of creative writing and thought experimentation will be a means to critically reflect upon the moral, social and existential issues that may arise as a result of innovative technologies such as biotechnology, computer sciences and AI. It will also be a way to critically reflect upon your personal relationship with technology, your responsibilities as an engineer, and possible bias. Moreover, it is a means to identify and express your own emotions with respect to the issues mentioned.

The course includes a writing workshop from a novelist and is embedded in various art media related to science fiction. Artworks are a topic of discussion and inspiration. For instance, what can a science fiction movie teach us about the future power of big tech companies? Is Eduardo Kac's fluorescent rabbit useful to clarify moral problems about genetic modification? Further, we read philosophical literature on (the ethics of) technology and investigate case studies.

Our lectures will be highly interactive. Questioning, discussion and argumentation are central, and creative methods such as role-play and socratic dialogue may also be employed. You have to actively contribute, using reason as well as imagination and feelings.