Why is researching old literary science fiction important?

I was asked this question from someone who doesn’t read fiction and they felt that if anyone is doing a PhD then the only thing they should be researching is something that changes lives, like cures for cancer, rather than something that simply answers questions on life, the universe, and everything – essentially completely dismissing the humanities, history, and countless other disciplines where the focus of research doesn’t eventually lead to worldwide immortality for everyone. This had me stumped for quite some time as if this is what the public thinks about our universities and the billions spent on researching anything, then obviously the perspective is that any postgraduate student should just be studying medicine to find cures to save everyone from death.

The problem with this though is that not every human has a mindset or a passion for medicine and, we can’t put people in positions where they’re going to fail. There are other areas that require expertise and people who have the appropriate mindset to do it. There are also other areas more important than cancer research. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, and nothing is more important right now than climate science research and how that research can lead to implementation of solutions so that humanity will be around for another thousand years at least.

And then, I remembered. A PhD candidate is still a student in training. We’re learning all the skills necessary to be able to do research. It is an intensive 3-4 year process (twice as much part-time) to learn these crucial abilities. It doesn’t matter what we’re studying in a PhD as those research skills can be repurposed to just about anything once we finish, with only a modicum of retraining.

The other aspect is that we don’t know what we might discover. There are plenty of extrapolated science ideas that have been forgotten due to the technology not being available to create them at the time. It’s possible there is a solution for the climate crisis in a 19th century science article or a solution to cancer in a science fiction story. History research into other cultures may find a native plant that has been used for generations to cure all sorts of ailments, not to mention what other disciplines might discover. We have no idea where things might lead and it is necessary to give postgraduate students interested in getting into research areas the opportunity to pursue an area they’re interested in so as to gain these necessary skills.

Of course, there should be a good reason to research anything. It is a necessary part of doing a PhD that what we’re working on must be something original, and answers questions or fills in gaps in knowledge. So, if you’re not a fiction reader, nothing about what I do will have any meaning for you. But, if you do have an interest in popular fiction and literary fiction, but can’t see a reason to research science fiction, here are some ideas I got from ChatGPT. The question I asked was:

How would you answer this question? “Why is researching old literary science fiction important?” Please give about 20 possible answers with half the kind you would give to an academic and half the kind you would give to the general public.

Here’s the list:

Academic Responses

1. Historical Contextualization: Researching old literary science fiction provides insights into the historical and cultural contexts in which these works were produced, helping to understand the societal concerns and technological aspirations of the time.
2. Literary Evolution: It allows scholars to trace the evolution of the science fiction genre, noting changes in themes, narrative structures, and stylistic approaches over time.
3. Interdisciplinary Insights: Early science fiction often intersects with other fields such as history, sociology, and political science, offering a rich interdisciplinary study.
4. Technological Predictions: These works often speculate on future technologies, providing a historical perspective on technological predictions and their impact on society.
5. Genre Formation: Understanding how early science fiction contributed to the formation and establishment of genre conventions and tropes.
6. Authorial Influence: Researching the influence of pioneering authors and their works on subsequent generations of science fiction writers.
7. Cultural Reflection: Old science fiction reflects the hopes, fears, and aspirations of past societies, offering a window into their collective psyche.
8. Narrative Techniques: Analyzing the narrative techniques and experimental forms used by early science fiction writers to innovate storytelling.
9. Literary Canon: Establishing the significance of overlooked works within the literary canon and promoting their academic study.
10. Critical Theory: Applying various critical theories to early science fiction texts can reveal deeper meanings and socio-political commentaries embedded in the narratives.

General Public Responses

11. Nostalgic Enjoyment: Reading old science fiction can be a nostalgic experience, allowing readers to revisit the imaginative worlds of the past.
12. Cultural Heritage: These works are part of our cultural heritage, showcasing the creativity and imagination of past generations.
13. Comparative Enjoyment: It’s fun to compare past visions of the future with our current reality, noting which predictions were accurate and which were far off.
14. Understanding Origins: Learning about the origins of popular science fiction concepts and how they have evolved over time.
15. Appreciating Innovation: Recognizing the innovative ideas and groundbreaking stories that have influenced modern science fiction.
16. Escapism: Old science fiction offers an escape into different worlds and times, providing a unique form of entertainment and relaxation.
17. Inspiration for Creators: Modern writers and filmmakers can find inspiration in the imaginative plots and concepts of early science fiction.
18. Educational Value: These stories can educate readers about past societal concerns and scientific understanding, enriching their knowledge.
19. Cultural Comparison: Comparing the societal norms and values depicted in old science fiction with those of today, fostering a greater understanding of societal progress.
20. Diverse Perspectives: Exploring diverse perspectives and ideas from different eras, broadening one’s horizons and appreciation for the genre.

I can think of more, but perhaps this will give some idea as to why it is important and perhaps inspire others to start their own science fiction research: