The Function of Fiction in Science Fiction

This lecture delves into the complex question of the function of fiction, exploring how humans have engaged with narratives throughout history. The instructor discusses various theories of storytelling, focusing on Paul Ricard's three-stage narrative theory. By analyzing the role of authors, readers, and texts in the storytelling process, the lecture highlights how fiction shapes our understanding of the world and ourselves. The discussion extends to the impact of science fiction as a genre that challenges conventional narratives and offers alternative models of intelligibility. Through examples from contemporary literature and film, the lecture emphasizes the power of storytelling to influence our perceptions, behaviors, and societal structures, ultimately inviting the audience to reflect on the diverse models of understanding presented in fiction.