Science Fiction as Modern Myth - Part II

Science Fiction as Modern Myth – Part II

 In this second of three parts on a brief discussion of science fiction as modern myth,  I will discuss a comparison between the roles of science fiction and religion, or religious myth, as ways of approaching the future. 

Religious myth does not focus on the future, but it does have a tremendous impact on how people think about the future.  It is perhaps the earliest recorded form of myth and to date, perhaps the most influential with respect to futuristic thinking.   Religion has served as a blueprint for policy decisions on both a large and small scale with respect to the various levels of decision makers in society.  It also has served to guide individuals in their everyday thoughts, actions, and beliefs about policies that impact the future.   Religion will continue to remain a guiding force as long as the great majority of humans globally continue to subscribe to some form of traditional religious doctrine.  How does this though assist in adapting humanity and preparing it for the future? How does it propel humanity into a continued cycle of cultural evolution?  Adaptation and evolution are necessary if a system is to survive, if not, cultures become stagnant and come to a point where they are unable to adapt, eventually becoming extinct.  Science fiction is a rich source of the same types of ethics and morals found in religious myth, it embodies many of the same qualities and social strengths as religion, and may perhaps offer a better source of adaptations. It may be better suited as myth to ensure continued cultural evolution. 

Does religion really answer the deepest metaphysical questions concerning human origins, the human condition, and the future of humanity?  It can provide this to some. It can also provide individual meaning and offer a guide to personal or cultural morals and ethics.  To some, religious myth connects them to others as well as to the long historical narrative of humanity.  Within religious doctrines, connections to mythological narratives are often found which helps to reinforce a belief and a particular set of values. Origin stories seemingly connect the human past, present, and future. Religious myth addresses both the emotional and intellectual realms of humanity.

Myth possesses an archetypal dimension, a fundamental idea or theme represented through imagery, persona, or symbolism. Themes such as death or the renewal of life, honor, bravery, temptation, good vs evil, and origins are common threads.  These themes of the human condition are also represented by mythological characters that provoke emotional reactions and an individual identification with one or more of these characters. 

The same holds true for science fiction. Just as with ancient myth, the real strength and attractive force of science fiction is its narrative form.  Science fiction appeals to the same aspects of both individual and culture as religious myth, and especially to those who may reject religious myth. Science fiction creates a life story as an option to the abstract nature of religious narrative. Science fiction creates a highly complex story of the future based upon actions in the human past or present. It also acts as a blueprint for ideas, thoughts, and behaviors. It provides moral and ethical guides. It also serves as a mirror into the overall human condition, where we have been, where we are, and even provides insight into possible outcomes for the future depending upon the paths humans choose.  Also emphasized in science fiction is the role the individual plays in cultural change. Individuals act as role models and members of fandom form strong identification bonds with individuals of their choosing that oftentimes shape the behavior and values of those who identify with them.  This creation of personified characters creates a personal connection with the reader, or member of fandom. 

As with all myth, the stories of science fiction express basic, fundamental themes and archetypes of the human condition.  In both science fiction and mythology, both the characters and settings are presented with the intention of symbolically highlighting and discussing the human condition.  Science fiction not only informs, but it strives to also evoke strong emotional responses. The future of humanity is presented in such a way as to inspire inspiration in those who are reading or viewing the material.  Science fiction is indeed an integral component of culture today, both on local as well as global levels.  It provides the raw materials for anyone participating in it to create and fully experience a personalized journey and way of life. 

Science fiction is the new mythology. It goes far beyond traditional and now archaic myths of the past, myths based on archaic thinking.  They have lost their applicability to current times and to the future. They no longer fit to describe the human condition.  They have lost their ability to motivate, inform, and inspire individuals. Science fiction has been able to maintain these abilities over the centuries and has gained status as a replacement. Since it deals with the future, it will continue to maintain itself as a global power and will continue to drive cultural evolution for centuries to come. Science fiction provides mythical stories informed by both science and contemporary thought for the purposes of transmitting messages about the human condition. 

For the third, and final, blog in this topic I will briefly discuss the immense power and breadth of science fiction.