Dissecting Dragons: Episode 183: The Future We Deserve? - Learning Hope From Science Fiction

Episode 183: The Future We Deserve? - Learning Hope From Science Fiction

 

While all good fiction should give the reader something to think about, Science Fiction has long been at the forefront of the 'what if?' expedition. Much science fiction focuses on thought experiments - which would explain why a large body of it can be rather bleak and even chilling. However certain sci-fi, most notably space opera, takes typical thought experiments and turns them on their heads resulting in a far more hopeful message. This week the dragons boldly go into the massive universe of Star Trek, in search of hope as well as thought provoking story in science fiction. Taking a look at how characterisation, setting and the very unusual starting point of almost all Star Trek story, Jules and Madeleine discuss how a show that has some pretty headache inducing scenarios and gritty situations, still manages to convey a future as it ought to be, rising head and shoulders over mere entertainment.

 

Title music: Ecstasy by Smiling Cynic