Author:
Luokkala, Barry B. author
Imprint:New York, NY : Springer, c2014.
Descriptionxix, 241 p. : ill. (some col.), charts ; 23 cm.
Note:1. Introduction: Discerning the real, the possible and the impossible. The first sci-fi movie ; Exploration topic : is it safe to launch humans into space from a giant gun? ; The first literary work of science fiction ; Reference frames, revisited ; Roadmap to the rest of the book -- 2. What is the nature of space and time? (The physics of space travel and time travel). Changing perspectives through history ; Newton's laws ; Einstein and relativity ; Stephen Hawking, black holes, wormholes, and quantum gravity ; Other time travel scenarios ; Exploration topics -- 3. What is the universe made of? (Matter, energy and interactions). The standard model of particle physics ; The atomic nucleus : protons, neutrons, isotopes, and radioactivity ; Gases ; Solid-state materials ; Phase transitions ; Transparency and invisibility : optical properties of solids ; Energy and power ; Exploration topics -- 4. Can a machine become self-aware? (The sciences of computing and cognition). Computer hardware performance specifications ; Analog computers ; Digital computers ; Beyond digital computers ; Information storage ; Robotics ; Robot behavior ; Toward the creation of artificial consciousness ; Exploration topics -- 5. Are we alone in the universe? (The search for extraterrestrial intelligence). Major considerations ; Searching for ET : government agency or private industry? ; Listening for ET : What form of communication might we expect? ; Conditions necessary for intelligent life to arise ; Cinema and the science of the SETI Project ; Where might first contact occur and how will humans and aliens interact? ; Exploration topics -- 6. What does it mean to be human? (Biological sciences, biotechnology and other considerations). Bodies with replaceable parts ; Resistance to disease ; Cell structure and radiation damage ; DNA and the human genome ; Cloning ; Human teleportation : a complex, interdisciplinary problem ; Teleportation estimations ; Beyond biology ; What can we learn from an android about what it means to be human? ; Exploration topics -- 7. How do we solve our problems? (Science, technology and society). The public perception of science and scientists ; The methodology of science ; Science, pseudoscience, and nonsense ; Problems to be solved ; Exploration topics -- 8, What lies ahead? (The future of our technological society). Accurate predictions ; Coming soon : possibilities for the not-too-distant future ; Science fiction in historical context ; Visions of the future -- Appendix A: Catalog of movies cited -- Appendix B: Television series episodes cited -- Appendix C: YouTube videos cited -- Appendix D: Solutions to estimation problems.
Bibliography Note:Includes bibliographical references and index.
