The skeptics' guide to the future : what yesterday's science and science fiction tell us about the world of tomorrow / Dr. Steven Novella with Bob Novella and Jay Novella.
Edition:
First Trade Paperback Edition
Publisher:
Grand Central Publishing,
Copyright Date:
2023
Description:
xv, 416 pages ; 21 cm
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents:
A glimpse of the future -- Part one: An introduction to the future. Futurism--days of future passed -- A brief history of the future -- The science of futurism -- Future fiction ; 2063 CE -- Part two: Today's technology that will shape tomorrow (and tomorrow and tomorrow...). Genetic manipulation -- Stem cell technology -- Brain-machine interface -- Robotics -- Quantum computing -- Artificial intelligence -- Self-driving cars and other forms of transportation -- Two-dimensional materials and the stuff the future will be made of -- Virtual/augmented/mixed reality -- Wearable technology -- Additive manufacturing -- Powering our future -- Future fiction: 2209 CE -- Part three: Future technologies that don't exist (yet). Fusion -- Mature nanotechnology -- Synthetic life -- Room-temperature superconductors -- Space elevators -- Future fiction: 2511 CE -- Part four: The future of space travel. Nuclear-thermal propulsion and other advanced rockets -- Solar sails and laser propulsion -- Space settlements -- Terraforming other worlds -- Future fiction: 23,744 CE -- Part five:Science Fiction Tech - What Is and Isn't Possible -- Cold fusion and free energy -- Faster than light (FTL) travel/communication -- Artificial gravity/antigravity -- Transporters, tractor beams, lightsabers, and other sci-fi gadgets -- Regeneration /immortality -- Uploading consciousness/the matrix -- Conclusion.
Summary:
"Our predictions of the future are a wild fantasy, inextricably linked to our present hopes and fears, biases and ignorance. Whether they be the outlandish leaps predicted in the 1920s, like multi-purpose utility belts with climate control capabilities and planes the size of luxury cruise ships, or the forecasts of the '60s, which didn't anticipate the sexual revolution or women's liberation, the path to the present is littered with failed predictions and incorrect estimations. In THE SKEPTICS' GUIDE TO THE FUTURE, Steven Novella and his co-authors build upon the work of futurists of the past by examining what they got right, what they got wrong, and how they came to those conclusions. By exploring the pitfalls of each era, they give their own speculations about the distant future, transformed by unbelievable technology ranging from genetic manipulation to artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Applying their trademark skepticism, they carefully extrapolate on each scientific development, leaving no stone unturned as they lay out a vision for the future." -- p. 4 of cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.