Science Fiction, Definitions/Themes/Golden Ages/Thoughts/Questions

     

 Much ink has been expended on science fiction: what actually is science fiction, what are the classics, is the Golden Age a fixed chronological period or personal experience? What is the sense of wonder, who belongs in the new wave, who were cyberpunks? What are the ten best stories, novels, authors, movies etc., and how does the list change?

But for both old or new science fiction, perhaps the unifying and defining aspect is that the questions are the same.

* Given the length of this post, please consult the ISFDB for cover information, or request additional information in the comments section.

What does the future hold?  

 

What does it mean to be human, 

male, female?

What about the promises, 

will we have jet packs, ray guns,

giant insects?

Immortality anyone?

What does it mean to be a family, a society, a culture?

                       

Where might technology lead us? 

    

 

How will technology change us?

         

  What kind of society will 

we live in? 

 How should society be organized?  

What is intelligence?

Is there other life in the universe? 

  

What does it mean to meet aliens?

Will they be friends 

or enemies?

What is the nature of time?

Can we travel there?

  

 What if the past had been different, 

the future?  

What about the near future, the far future? 

 

 

What about the earth, the environment?

What is the universe like and will we ever explore it?

   

Will it be scary?

Is there a directing intelligence(s)?

      

How will human life end, 

 

the earth, 

the universe, 

Will anyone/anything see it?