“Science fiction encourages us to explore . . . all the futures, good and bad, that the human mind can envision.”
“Science fiction writers foresee the inevitable, and although problems and catastrophes may be inevitable, solutions are not.”
“Science fiction isn’t just thinking about the world out there. It’s also thinking about how that world might be - a particularly important exercise for those who are oppressed, because if they’re going to change the world we live in, they - and all of us - have to be able to think about a world that works differently.”
The Speculative Ethics Book Club
Discussions about the Ethical and Social Implications of Technology, Inspired by Science Fiction
Join the conversation!
This book club began with the idea that science fiction is a great way to explore the ethical and social consequences of technology. To participate, all you have to do is read each book, and then find us on Twitter (#sebc, and for now likely kicked off from @cfiesler) and/or Slack (use this link to join) beginning on the given discussion date. Answer questions, share your thoughts, or just read along! You can also join our mailing list to receive announcements and reminders.
Rosewater by Tade Thompson
Discussion October 1 - November 30
Nexus by Ramez Naam
Discussion begins December 1, 2020
Previous Books
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson (August/September 2020)
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie (April/May 2020)
Infomocracy by Malka Older (February/March 2020)
Autonomous by Annalee Newitz (December 2019/January 2020)
FAQs
Q: Are conversations about these books only focused on ethics? A: The scope here is the ethical and social implications of technology, but of course we’ll welcome conversation about whatever you want to talk about!
Q: Any rules about discussions or content? A: Our only rule is that discussions should be respectful, which includes the authors of the books we discuss. Please do not @ authors in any critical tweets, and remember that Slack is available as a less public forum.
Q: Do I have to be on Twitter or Slack to participate? A: You’re welcome to start a conversation about these books wherever you like! These are just the channels where we’ll be helping drive discussion. If you want to join the Slack channel, use this link.
Q: How are books chosen? A: The first two were chosen from a poll based on commonly suggested books from social media. Moving forward, there will be a small committee of people helping run this who will help pick books. You are welcome to make suggestions for future books on Twitter or Slack! (There are of course SO MANY we could choose, so we won’t be able to accommodate all requests!)
Q: How often are book club discussions happening? A: Currently, once a month, starting at the first of each month. We can reevaluate this timing after some cycles and feedback!
Q: Who’s running this thing, and what is the Internet Rules Lab? A: The idea, for good or bad, came from Casey Fiesler (faculty at CU Boulder), who feels like if you’re going to suggest something you should be willing to make it happen. IRL is her research lab, and just happens to be where she has some webspace for hosting this. And because she is a very busy untenured professor (which is why it took too long for this thing to launch!), she’s getting help from some people, TBA!
Q: What’s the awesome robot in your header? A: It’s a Creative Commons licensed drawing found on Flickr! You can find the info for that and all other image credits for this website here.
You’ll find some additional FAQs and information from the initial idea-gathering phase on this document.