I signed up for this talk as it offered a chance to explore alternative perspectives on Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly those that come from a different angle than the usual tech-focused discussions. Professor Pablo Mukherjee's presentation aimed to uncover the connections between science fiction (SF) and AI, offering a different lens to understand the evolution of these technologies. During the talk, Pablo explored the relationship between science fiction and AI history, citing various quotes from sources like The Mind of the Mechanical Man and literature by Indian writers, drawing connections to the postcolonial context.
Pablo also highlighted several key points about the relationship between science fiction and AI, including how science fiction keeps AI-related ideas alive, even during periods when investment is scarce. It continues to challenge our assumptions about what AI and technology mean for society. AI isn’t just about technology; it raises questions about language, emotions, and what it means to be human—topics traditionally explored by literature and philosophy. Additionally, science fiction has played a major, yet often overlooked, role in shaping how we think about AI, technology, and the future.
After our main meal, Pablo posed two questions for discussion, which participants shared their thoughts on.
Question 1: For those of you doing scientific research, have you had experiences with literature which have made you re-think aspects of your work (and if not, why do you think that is the case)? Conversely, those of you working in the humanities, what does 'science' mean to your thinking?
Question 2: What might happen if you thought that research was not only something that happened in universities or laboratories, but if popular cultural forms (such as SF) could often themselves conduct 'research experiments' about being human?
This talk really got me thinking about how AI has evolved from something that didn’t exist in the past to a part of our everyday lives and how science fiction might have, or could have, played a role.
Science fiction and AI have developed alongside each other in separate spaces, occasionally exchanging ideas. Their relationship is less about direct cause-and-effect and more about mutual influence. Science fiction conceptualises AI, introduces ideas (without limits), and shapes public perception, while breakthroughs in AI - driven by scientists and engineers - turn ideas into technology and reality. Through distinct from AI development itself, science fiction is one of the influential narratives that reflects and informs society's views on technology and the philosophical questions surrounding AI.
While writing this blog, I somehow feel like re-watching The Imitation Game, which was mentioned in Pablo’s talk. Instead of exploring other AI stories or theories, I think I’ll just grab some snacks and enjoy the movie—a perfect way to end the day!
