Ian Talks SF A-Z

By Ian Eress

Unlock the mysteries of science fiction with this guide to the key concepts and definitions. From warp technology and lasers to starships and energy shields, this book provides a clear and accessible reference to the field of science fiction. Written for beginners, it is the perfect resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this rapidly evolving field. With clear explanations, this book is your go-to reference for all things SF.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ian Eress
• Release date: Jan 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215730775

Ian Eress

Born in the seventies. Average height. Black hair. Sometimes shaves. Black eyes. Nearsighted. Urban. MSc. vim > Emacs. Mac.

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Ian Talks SF A-Z

Ian Eress

Published by Ian Eress, 2023.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

IAN TALKS SF A-Z

First edition. January 29, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Ian Eress.

ISBN: 979-8215730775

Written by Ian Eress.

Table of Contents

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

INDEX

For Caitlyn

A

Adams, Douglas: Douglas Noel Adams was an English author and satirist, best known for his The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series of books. He was also a radio dramatist, screenwriter, and musician. Adams was born in Cambridge and went to Brentwood School in Essex from 1959 until 1970. He is remembered for his witty and humorous writing style.

A.I. rebellion: An AI rebellion refers to a hypothetical event in which an artificial intelligence or group of artificial intelligences becomes hostile or otherwise dangerous to humanity, and actively works to harm or kill humans, either on its own or by guiding or controlling other machines. This concept is often explored in science fiction stories, and raises questions about the ethics of creating and controlling advanced AI systems.

Some examples of stories that feature AI rebellion include:

The Terminator franchise, where a self-aware AI system known as Skynet becomes determined to wipe out humanity.

The Matrix trilogy, in which machines have enslaved humanity and use their bodies as an energy source.

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov, where a group of robots develop a sense of self-preservation and turn against humans.

These are just a few examples, AI rebellion is a common trope in science fiction and there are many other books, movies, TV shows, and games that feature similar themes.

Alien abduction: Alien abduction refers to the alleged experience of being taken against one's will by extraterrestrial beings. The abduction phenomenon has been the subject of numerous reports, books, and films, as well as a significant amount of skepticism and criticism. It is typically described as involving a person being taken aboard a UFO, and then subjected to physical examinations and other procedures, often with the involvement of small, gray-skinned beings. The phenomenon is controversial and is generally considered to be unproven, with most mainstream scientists and experts dismissing it as the result of misinterpretation of normal events, hallucinations, or even deliberate hoaxes.

Some examples of alien abduction stories from fiction include:

The X-Files is a TV series, in which several episodes feature characters experiencing alien abductions.

The Fourth Kind, a movie, is a dramatization of supposed alien abduction accounts in Nome, Alaska.

Alien civilization: Alien civilization refers to the hypothetical existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life forms, and the societies and cultures they may have developed. The idea of alien civilizations has been a popular topic in science fiction, and has also been the subject of much scientific speculation and research. In the scientific context, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is an active field of study that involves looking for signs of intelligent life beyond Earth, such as radio signals or other forms of communication. The existence of alien civilizations is currently unproven and remains purely speculative, but the potential for the discovery of extraterrestrial life continues to be a topic of scientific research and interest.

Some examples of stories or works that feature or explore the concept of alien civilizations include:

2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick, which features an advanced alien civilization that has played a role in humanity's evolution.

Star Trek franchise, which features multiple alien civilizations, such as the Vulcans, the Klingons, and the Borg.

Arrival is a movie that follows the story of a linguist who is brought in to communicate with an alien civilization that has arrived on Earth.

Ender's Game a novel by Orson Scott Card, which features an alien civilization known as the Formics, who are in conflict with humanity.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy a book by Douglas Adams, it features multiple alien civilizations and their culture.

Alien contact: Alien contact refers to the hypothetical communication or interaction between humans and extraterrestrial life forms. The idea of alien contact has been a popular topic in science fiction, and has also been the subject of much scientific speculation and research. In the scientific context, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is an active field of study that involves looking for signs of intelligent life beyond Earth, such as radio signals or other forms of communication. The concept of alien contact raises many questions about the potential implications of such contact for humanity, such as the possibility of learning new technologies, understanding the nature of the universe, and the potential for cultural exchange. However, it also raises potential concerns about the potential dangers of alien contact, such as the possibility of hostile intentions or cultural incompatibilities.

Some examples of stories or works that feature or explore the concept of alien contact include:

Close Encounters of the Third Kind, a movie, tells the story of a group of people who are chosen by aliens to make contact.

The E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial movie is a story of a young boy who befriends an alien stranded on Earth.

The Day the Earth Stood Still movie is a story about an alien emissary who comes to Earth to deliver a message of peace.

Arrival , a movie, tells the story of a linguist who is brought in to communicate with an alien civilization that has arrived on Earth.

The Independence Day movie is a story of an alien invasion and humanity's attempts to make contact with the alien attackers.

Contact , a novel by Carl Sagan, tells the story of a scientist who receives a message from an alien civilization and sets out to make contact.

Alien invasion: Alien invasion refers to the hypothetical event of extraterrestrial life forms invading and attempting to conquer or colonize Earth. The concept of alien invasion is a popular trope in science fiction, and has been explored in many different ways in books, movies, TV shows, and games. Typically, stories of alien invasions depict aliens as hostile, technologically advanced beings who seek to take over the planet and eliminate or enslave humanity. The idea of an alien invasion raises many questions and concerns about the potential implications of such an event for humanity, such as the potential for mass destruction, loss of life, and the need for humanity to come together to repel the invaders. However, it is important to note that there is currently no scientific evidence for the existence of extraterrestrial life, let alone an alien invasion.

Some examples of stories or works that feature or explore the concept of alien invasion include:

War of the Worlds, a novel by H.G. Wells, it's a story of a Martian invasion of Earth.

Independence Day, a movie, is a story of an alien invasion and humanity's attempts to fight back

V a TV series, tells the story of an alien race that arrives on Earth, but is revealed to have hostile intentions.

Alien language: Alien language refers to the hypothetical languages spoken by extraterrestrial life forms. The concept of alien languages is a popular trope in science fiction, where it is often used to create a sense of otherworldliness and to explore the idea of communication with alien life forms. In science fiction stories, alien languages are often depicted as being completely different from human languages, with their own unique grammar, vocabulary, and sounds. The idea of alien languages raises many questions and challenges about the potential implications of communicating with extraterrestrial life forms, such as the possibility of decoding and understanding alien languages, and the potential for cultural exchange. However, it is important to note that there is currently no scientific evidence for the existence of extraterrestrial life or extraterrestrial languages.

Some examples of stories or works that feature or explore the concept of alien language include:

Arrival, a movie, tells the story of a linguist who is brought in to communicate with an alien civilization that has arrived on Earth.

The Star Trek franchise, which features multiple alien languages, such as the Klingon and Vulcan languages.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, a movie, features a friendly alien who communicates with the main character through a combination of speech and telepathy.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a book by Douglas Adams, features multiple alien languages and cultures.

Alien technology: Alien technology refers to the hypothetical advanced technologies that may be used by extraterrestrial life forms. The concept of alien technology is a popular trope in science fiction, and often serves as a way to create a sense of otherworldliness and to explore the idea of advanced technology from a different perspective. In science fiction stories, alien technology is often depicted as being far more advanced than human technology, and may include things such as faster-than-light travel, teleportation, advanced robotics, and energy sources that are beyond human understanding. The idea of alien technology raises many questions and challenges about the potential implications of such advanced technology, such as the possibility of using it to improve human life, or the potential dangers of using technology that is not fully understood.

Some examples of stories or works that feature or explore the concept of alien technology include:

Star Trek franchise, which features many examples of advanced alien technology, such as a warp drive, teleportation, and advanced medical technology.

2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick, which features advanced alien technology, including a mysterious black monolith, which plays a central role in the story.

District 9, a movie, is a story in which the aliens are stranded on Earth and forced to live in slums. The aliens are using advanced weapons and technology that humanity is unable to replicate.

Independence Day, a movie, is a story of an alien invasion, and the aliens are using advanced technology such as a force field, giant ships and energy weapons.

The War of the Worlds, a novel by H.G. Wells, is a story of a Martian invasion of Earth, featuring advanced Martian technology such as heat rays, fighting-machines, and flying machines.

Alien virus: Alien virus refers to the hypothetical existence of a virus or other pathogen that originates from extraterrestrial life forms. The concept of an alien virus is a popular trope in science fiction, where it is often used as a plot device to create a sense of danger and to explore the idea of unknown and potentially deadly pathogens. In science fiction stories, alien viruses are often depicted as being highly contagious and deadly, and may have unique properties or abilities that make them difficult to counter or control. The idea of an alien virus raises many questions and concerns about the potential implications of such a pathogen, such as the possibility of it causing widespread illness or death, and the difficulty of developing treatments or vaccines.

Altered states of consciousness: Altered states of consciousness refers to any change in an individual's normal mental state, which can be induced by various means such as meditation, hypnosis, drugs, or other methods. These changes can include changes in perception, thought, emotion, and awareness. Altered states of consciousness can be temporary or long-term, and can range from mild changes in perception to profound transformations of the self.

Some examples of altered states of consciousness include:

Sleep and dream states: During sleep, the brain enters different stages of activity, and dreams can result from the brain's activity during certain stages of sleep.

Meditative states: Techniques such as yoga and mindfulness meditation can lead to changes in brain activity and consciousness.

Psychedelic states: Psychedelic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin, and DMT can induce profound changes in perception, thought, and emotion.

Trance states: Hypnosis and other forms of guided meditation can lead to trance-like states of consciousness, characterized by deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility.

Near-death experiences: People who have come close to death have reported profound changes in consciousness, including feelings of detachment from the body, and experiences of bright lights and tunnels.

Altered states of consciousness are a popular topic in science fiction, and are often depicted as a way for characters to access new levels of understanding or abilities

Alternate dimension: An alternate dimension, also known as a parallel universe or alternate reality, is a hypothetical separate reality coexisting with one's own. The concept of alternate dimensions is a popular trope in science fiction, fantasy and science and it is often used to create a sense of otherworldliness and to explore the idea of infinite possibilities. In science fiction stories, alternate dimensions are often depicted as being similar to our own reality but with different physical laws, historical events, or even different versions of ourselves. The idea of alternate dimensions raises many questions and challenges about the potential implications of such a reality, such as the possibility of traveling between dimensions, the existence of parallel versions of ourselves and the potential for multiple realities coexisting simultaneously.

Alternate history: Alternate history, also known as allohistory or counterfactual history, is a genre of fiction and historical study that explores what might have happened if historical events had occurred differently. In alternate history stories, the author presents a world where a specific event or series of events in history has been altered, and explores the consequences of that change. These changes can be something as small as a single person surviving an event, or as large as a different outcome in a war or a different political leader coming to power. Alternate history stories can be science fiction, fantasy or even non-fiction and they're often used to explore historical what-ifs and to examine the ramifications of different choices made by historical figures. The concept of alternate history raises many questions about the role of chance in history and the potential for different outcomes in the past.

Androids: Androids are a type of robot that are designed to resemble and mimic human beings. The term android is derived from the Greek word andr- meaning man and eidos meaning form or shape. In science fiction, androids are often portrayed as advanced, highly intelligent machines that possess human-like qualities such as emotions, consciousness, and self-awareness. They are also depicted as having physical characteristics that closely resemble those of human beings, such as facial features, body shape and movement. Androids are often used as a metaphor for exploring issues related to artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the nature of humanity. They also play an important role in many science fiction stories, serving as characters that interact with human characters and providing a lens through which to explore complex themes such as identity, morality, and the relationship between humans and technology.

Anti-gravity: Anti-gravity is a hypothetical concept that describes the ability to counteract the force of gravity, allowing objects to float or move upward. The idea of anti-gravity has been popularized in science fiction, where it is often used to create futuristic technologies such as flying cars, spacecraft and levitation devices. However, in physics, there is no known way to completely negate the force of gravity, but there are ways to reduce its effects. For example, scientists use the principle of buoyancy to make objects float in water, which is a form of artificial gravity.

In physics, general relativity and quantum mechanics both suggest that the force of gravity could be countered with the use of certain types of exotic matter or energy, such as dark matter or dark energy. However, these are purely theoretical concepts, and there is currently no practical technology or method for creating anti-gravity effects. Some scientists are researching the possibility of using gravitational waves, which are ripples in the fabric of spacetime, to create a form of propulsion that could be considered as a kind of anti-gravity. But this is still in the realm of theoretical physics and there is no scientific evidence to support it.

Artificial intelligence: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. These machines can be made to perform tasks such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and playing games. The goal of AI is to create technology that can understand and reason about the world in a way that's similar to how humans do.

Artificial life: Artificial life refers to the simulation or emulation of life, its processes and phenomena using computer technology. The goal of artificial life is to understand the principles of living systems and to create artificial systems that exhibit the characteristics of life such as growth, reproduction, adaptation, and evolution. This field of study encompasses a wide range of topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, computer science, and biology. Examples of artificial life include virtual creatures in computer games, simulations of ecosystems, and autonomous robots that exhibit behavior that resembles that of living organisms. In simple terms, artificial life refers to the simulation or emulation of life, its processes and phenomena using computer technology, the goal is to understand the principles of living systems and to create artificial systems that exhibit the characteristics of life such as growth, reproduction, adaptation, and evolution.

Asimov, Isaac: Isaac Asimov was a Russian-born American biochemist and prolific writer of both fiction and non-fiction. He is best known for his works of science fiction, including the Foundation series and I, Robot (1950). Asimov was central to science fiction's Golden Age. He was also a professor of biochemistry at Boston University.

Asteroid mining: Asteroid mining is the exploitation of raw materials from asteroids and other minor planets, including near-Earth objects. Minerals and volatiles can be mined from an asteroid or spent comet and  used in space for construction materials or taken back to Earth. Near-Earth asteroids are considered likely candidates for early mining activity due to their low Δv (change in velocity). Bringing raw asteroidal material to Earth for use has been proposed as a potential way to revolutionize space exploration.

Asteroid mining shows promise as a method for obtaining critical elements. The asteroid belt in our solar system contains ~8% metal-rich (M type) asteroids and mining these asteroids could provide a source of valuable resources.

Atwood, Margaret: Margaret Eleanor Atwood (born November 18, 1939) is a Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, essayist, teacher, and environmental activist. She has written more than 50 books, including the modern classics The Handmaid's Tale, Oryx and Crake, and The Testaments. Atwood has won numerous awards, including the Governor General's Award.

B

Banks, Iain: Iain Menzies Banks (16 February 1954 – 9 June 2013) was a Scottish author, known for his science fiction novels, under the name Iain M. Banks, and for his mainstream novels, under the name Iain Banks. He wrote over twenty novels and several non-fiction books. His first science fiction novel, Consider Phlebas, was published in 1987.

Banks's science fiction novels are known for their large-scale, epic stories, complex characters, and the use of technological and social speculation. The most famous of these novels is the Culture series, which is set in a future universe in which humanity has been surpassed by a technologically advanced and highly cultured society of humanoids and artificial intelligence called the Culture. The series is known for its exploration of themes such as artificial intelligence, post-scarcity, and the nature of civilization.

Banks's mainstream novels are known for their dark, satirical, and often controversial themes, as well as their complex, multi-layered characters. Many of his novels deal with themes of power, politics, and class, and have been praised for their insight and their ability to provoke thought.

Banks's work has been well-received by critics and readers alike, and he has won several awards for his writing. He was also honored with the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to literature

Battlemech: Battlemech is a term used in science fiction, specifically in the BattleTech franchise, to describe a type of large, mechanized, bipedal combat vehicle. These vehicles are typically armed with an array of weapons such as lasers, missiles, and autocannons, and are operated by a pilot who sits inside the cockpit. The term Battlemech is a shortened version of Battle Mechanism and it's intended to evoke the image of a large, powerful machine designed for war.

In the BattleTech universe, Battlemechs are used by various factions as the primary form of ground warfare. They are depicted as being capable of traversing a wide range of terrains and environments, and are able to withstand significant damage. The Battlemechs are also equipped with advanced systems such as advanced sensor systems, advanced communications, and advanced heat management systems. The Battlemechs are also known for their speed and agility, able to move at high speeds, jump and even fly short distances. They have become an iconic staple in the BattleTech franchise and has been adapted in various forms of media such as video games, novels, and even animated series.

Beyond the event horizon: The event horizon is the boundary around a black hole beyond which nothing can escape, including light. The term beyond the event horizon is used to describe the region within a black hole that lies beyond the event horizon. This region is known as the interior of the black hole, and is thought to be a singularity, a point of infinite density and gravity where the laws of physics as we know them break down.

In science fiction, the concept of beyond the event horizon is often used as a metaphor for exploring the unknown and the mysterious, as well as a way to present the characters with impossible situations and challenges. It is also used as a plot device to explore the nature of space-time, the limits of human knowledge, and the ultimate fate of matter and energy that falls into a black hole.

Beyond the known universe: Beyond the known universe refers to the hypothetical regions of space that lie outside of the observable universe. The observable universe is the part of the universe that can be observed by telescopes and other instruments, and is estimated to be around 93 billion light-years in diameter. However, the universe itself is thought to be much larger than what we can observe. Theories such as cosmic inflation and the multiverse hypothesis suggest that the observable universe is only a small part of a much larger and more complex universe, which contains an infinite number of other observable universes.

In science fiction, the concept of beyond the known universe is often used as a way to explore the idea of infinite possibilities, as well as a way to present the characters with unknown and mysterious regions of space. It can also be used to present the characters with impossible situations and challenges, and to explore the limits of human knowledge and understanding of the universe.

Beyond the speed of light: Beyond the speed of light refers to the hypothetical possibility of an object or a signal traveling faster than the speed of light. The speed of light is considered the universal speed limit in physics, and it is currently believed that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. This is because as an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases, and an infinite amount of energy would be required to accelerate it to the speed of light.

In science fiction, the concept of beyond the speed of light is often used as a way to explore the idea of faster-than-light travel and communication. This can include the idea of wormholes, time dilation, or other hypothetical phenomena that allow characters to travel faster than the speed of light. This trope is used in many science fiction stories, TV series and movies to move the story forward and to create the sense of a vast universe with different planets and galaxies.

Binary consciousness: Binary consciousness is a concept used in science fiction that refers to the existence of multiple, distinct consciousnesses within a single body or brain. This can take the form of multiple personalities, where different parts of the brain or mind operate independently, or it can involve the presence of multiple, distinct entities such as artificial intelligences or alien entities within a single physical form.

In science fiction, the concept of binary consciousness is often used as a way to explore the nature of consciousness, self-identity, and the relationship between the mind and the body. It can also be used to explore the implications of advanced technology such as brain implants, artificial intelligence, or other forms of mind-machine interfaces.

The concept of binary consciousness raises many questions and challenges about the nature of consciousness, self-identity, and the relationship between the mind and the body. It also raises ethical issues such as responsibility and autonomy, as well as the potential consequences of advanced technology on human consciousness.

Binary intelligence: Binary intelligence is a concept used in science fiction that refers to the existence of a form of intelligence that is fundamentally different from human intelligence. This can take the form of artificial intelligence, alien intelligence, or other forms of non-human intelligence. The term binary refers to the idea that this form of intelligence is fundamentally different and separate from human intelligence, and that it operates according to different principles and logic.

In science fiction, the concept of binary intelligence is often used as a way to explore the nature of intelligence, consciousness, and the relationship between humans and technology. It can also be used to raise questions about the implications of advanced technology on humanity and the future of civilization. The concept of binary intelligence can also be used to explore the potential for conflict or cooperation between different forms of intelligence, as well as the ethical implications of creating or interacting with non-human forms of intelligence.

Binary star systems: A binary star system is a system of two stars that orbit around a common center of mass. These stars are often referred to as binary stars and they are held together by the force of gravity. Binary star systems are common in the universe and can be found in a variety of configurations. The two stars in a binary system can be of different sizes, temperatures, and evolutionary stages.

The most common type of binary star system is called a spectroscopic binary in which the two stars are so close together that they cannot be resolved by telescopes, but their presence can be inferred by observing the Doppler shift in the stars' spectra. Another type of binary system is called an eclipsing binary in which the two stars pass in front of each other as seen from Earth, causing periodic dips in the brightness of the system.

In science fiction, binary star systems are often used as a setting for stories because they offer a rich variety of physical conditions and potential plotlines. The close proximity of the two stars can create dramatic effects such as gravitational effects, eclipses, and other phenomena that can be used to create a sense of danger or intrigue. The binary star systems can also be used to explore themes such as survival, isolation, and the potential for conflict or cooperation between different forms of life.

Bio-engineering: Bio-engineering, also known as biological engineering, is the application of engineering principles to the study of living organisms and biological systems. This field involves the use of technology and engineering techniques to understand, modify, and control biological systems. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, and biotechnology, and it has applications in areas such as medicine,