Frankenstein as Science Fiction and Fact

Abstract

Often called the first of its kind, Frankenstein paved the way for science fiction writing. Its depiction of a then impossible scientific feat has in our time become possible and is essentially recognizable in what we now refer to as bioengineering, biomedicine, or biotechnology. The fiction of Frankenstein has as it were given way to scientific fact. Of more importance, however, is the challenge Mary Shelley's novel presents to the ostensibly high-minded and well-intentioned hopes and promises of the scientist/technologist. Finally, the fictional character, Victor Frankenstein, has come to serve as the poster child and whipping boy for all scientific and technological irresponsibility, so much so that thanks to him we are able to free ourselves and our scientists from any real responsibility, since none of us ever would or could be as monstrous as Frankenstein.

Tropicalizing Frankenstein in Latin America. A tale about promising technologies and apocalyptic robots

“…Frankenstein is a recurrent topic in academia and media, particularly in debates about the incorporation of information technologies into daily life, and as it happens in other countries, most of the discussions turn around the possible benefits and the potential risks. Some authors worry about the latent abuse of science by international corporations or the army to exert a determinant martial or economic power (Urrego, 2005), as in the case of global corporations that use technology and the chronic public corruption in Latin America to dominate the people and steal the natural resources. For many people, robots represent the materialization of traditional nightmares and fears in where humans break religion limits and play God, creating life as in the case of Doctor Frankenstein (Miscione, 2015).…”

Ethical Concerns About Human Genetic Enhancement in the Malay Science Fiction Novels

“…The 'mad' scientist has been portrayed as a popular image of scientists in many science fiction novels and films such as Frankenstein (Weingart et al 2003;Van der Laan 2010;Haynes 2016). The Frankenstein theme was widely adopted in popular culture after World War II.…”

Data storage devices in science fiction and fantasy movies

“…In this research, the authors concluded that popular media, such as the Spiderman movies, have an influence on how young children perceive science and the work of scientists and that it is important to provide children with images and descriptions of a variety of science careers in order to motivate them to pursue further study in science and possibly science as a career. Several authors (Erigha, 2016;Laan, 2010) also have wanted to identify the connections between movie presentations and realistic perceptions of common issues. While underlying themes of sci-fi media tackle contemporary, social, political, moral, religious, technological, and environmental issues (Chow-White, Deveau, & Adams, 2015), sci-fi filmmakers also make philosophical conjectures about the world, human existence, and the future (Erigha, 2016: 550).…”