Hi guys.
Now this question's a bit long-winded and time-consuming to answer, but since the Escapist seems to be chockablock full of intelligent men and women who enjoy academic discussion (I'm not buttering you guys up by the way, I actually believe that), I thought I'd try my luck.
I've decided to try and write a piece of science fiction, with one of the main themes being the influence that cultural beliefs will have upon the technological development of our species. In order to portray this, I've been looking at technologies that are now in their infancy (nanotechnology, for example) and trying to work them into a narrative set a century into the future by imagining ways in which they could potentially develop in reaction to future cultural growth.
It's definitely hard sci-fi, and I was wondering what kind of input I might be able to find here. I'm always searching for significant technologies and possibilities to explore, such as research into advanced power sources, AI and robotics development, projected medical breakthroughs, genetic and/or physiological manipulation, exploration/colonisation/exploitation of space and its resources, weapons research, etc.
Any technological guidance or culturally-important insight you guys could provide would be helpful beyond belief, as I'm sure as hell not a genius-level physicist. Remember that everything has to be plausible; not 100% realistic, as extrapolation is necessary within this paricular context, but viable within the timeframe of the plot, and believable as a probability. Also, concepts or technologies that can be utilised within a military setting are preferable (but it's definitely not a requirement), as the protagonist is a soldier, and I want to be able to integrate these concepts within the actual narrative without them feeling tacked on for the sake of being included.
Also, any suggestions concerning possible narrative events would be greatly appreciated too.
Thanks in advance for any help you people give me. Spoon out
Now this question's a bit long-winded and time-consuming to answer, but since the Escapist seems to be chockablock full of intelligent men and women who enjoy academic discussion (I'm not buttering you guys up by the way, I actually believe that), I thought I'd try my luck.
I've decided to try and write a piece of science fiction, with one of the main themes being the influence that cultural beliefs will have upon the technological development of our species. In order to portray this, I've been looking at technologies that are now in their infancy (nanotechnology, for example) and trying to work them into a narrative set a century into the future by imagining ways in which they could potentially develop in reaction to future cultural growth.
It's definitely hard sci-fi, and I was wondering what kind of input I might be able to find here. I'm always searching for significant technologies and possibilities to explore, such as research into advanced power sources, AI and robotics development, projected medical breakthroughs, genetic and/or physiological manipulation, exploration/colonisation/exploitation of space and its resources, weapons research, etc.
Any technological guidance or culturally-important insight you guys could provide would be helpful beyond belief, as I'm sure as hell not a genius-level physicist. Remember that everything has to be plausible; not 100% realistic, as extrapolation is necessary within this paricular context, but viable within the timeframe of the plot, and believable as a probability. Also, concepts or technologies that can be utilised within a military setting are preferable (but it's definitely not a requirement), as the protagonist is a soldier, and I want to be able to integrate these concepts within the actual narrative without them feeling tacked on for the sake of being included.
Also, any suggestions concerning possible narrative events would be greatly appreciated too.
Thanks in advance for any help you people give me. Spoon out
