The material in this book forms the basis of an interdisciplinary, college-level course, which uses science fiction film as a vehicle for exploring science concepts. Unlike traditional introductory-level courses, the science content is arranged according to major themes in science fiction, with a deliberate progression from the highly objective and discipline-specific (e.g. Reference Frames; Physics of Space Travel and Time Travel) to the very multi-disciplinary and thought-provoking (e.g. Human Teleportation; Science and Society). Over 100 references to science fiction films and television episodes are included, spanning more than 100 years of cinematic history. Some of these are conducive to calculations (solutions included).
Author(s): Barry B. Luokkala (auth.)
Series: Science and Fiction
Edition: 1
Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York
Year: 2014
Language: English
Pages: 241
Tags: Classical and Quantum Gravitation, Relativity Theory;Life Sciences, general;Popular Science, general;Materials Science, general;Engineering, general;Extraterrestrial Physics, Space Sciences
Front Matter....Pages i-xix
Introduction: Discerning the Real, the Possible, and the Impossible....Pages 1-11
What Is the Nature of Space and Time?....Pages 13-42
What Is the Universe Made of?....Pages 43-79
Can a Machine Become Self-Aware?....Pages 81-103
Are We Alone in the Universe?....Pages 105-121
What Does It Mean to Be Human?....Pages 123-153
How Do We Solve Our Problems....Pages 155-175
What Lies Ahead?....Pages 177-200
Back Matter....Pages 201-241
