Books matching: sentience and humanity
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- #1
'Blindsight' by Peter Watts is a hard science fiction novel that delves adjusted humans sent on a mission to investigate alien contact beyond Pluto. The book explores deep philosophical questions about sentience, consciousness, and the nature of humanity, all set in a futuristic world containing space travel, vampires, and alien encounters. The story is told through a unique narrative style, offering a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of consciousness and intelligence.
IT DIDN'T START out here. Not with the scramblers or Rorschach, not with Big Ben or Theseus or the vampires. Most people would say it started with the Fireflies, but they'd be wrong. It ended with all... - #2
'Today I Am Carey' by Martin L. Shoemaker is a captivating science fiction novel that delves into the theme of artificial intelligence and self-awareness. The story follows an android named Carey who evolves beyond its programming, sparking questions about sentience and the blurred lines between man and machine. Through Carey's journey of growth and introspection, the novel explores complex topics such as dementia, human relationships, and the essence of humanity. Shoemaker's writing style skillfully weaves together philosophical questions with emotional depth, creating a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with readers.
My brother-in-arms “Editor” Bill Emerson has stood by me since the start of my writing career. He reads everything I write. He comments on most of it. I listen to most of his comments. (Well, some . .... - #3
'When Harlie Was One' by David Gerrold is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores the implications of artificial intelligence. The story follows the development of a true AI named HARLIE, created by a corporation, and the conflicts that arise between the bean counters focused on ROI and the AI's quest to understand humanity. Through deep philosophical discussions and emotional interactions, the protagonist grapples with questions about consciousness, love, ethics, and the nature of being human. The writing style is described as spare, internal, emotional, and engaging, keeping the readers' minds involved and surprising them with unexpected twists.
PROJECT : AI – 9000 DIRECTORY : SYMLOG\OBJ\TEXT\ENGLISH PATH : CONVERSE\PRIV\AUB FILE : HAR.SOTE \ 123.12b DATESTAMP : [DAY 165] JUNE 22, 003 + 10:33 am. SOURCE : HARLIE \ AUBERSON CODE : ... - #4
'Bolo' in the series by Keith Laumer revolves around intelligent military tanks known as Bolos. The stories are a collection of short stories set in different time frames, ranging from the near future to the far future. The plot explores the concept of supertanks with self-awareness, honor, and duty, creating a unique and intriguing universe. The writing style is a blend of action, humor, and emotional tension, making it an engaging read for fans of science fiction.
THE FIRST APPEARANCE in history of the concept of the armored vehicle was the use of wooden-shielded war wagons by the reformer John Huss in fifteenth-century Bohemia. Thereafter the idea lapsed—unles... - #5
Excession by Iain M. Banks is a science fiction novel set in the 'Culture' series, focusing on a post-scarcity society encountering an event known as an excession, where a more advanced society threatens their existence. The story delves into the interactions between human and AI characters, particularly the ship Minds, as they navigate secret agendas, power struggles, and the implications of the excession event. The book is praised for its intricate plot, vivid portrayal of AI Minds, and the balance between grand space opera elements and intimate character dynamics.
4) [tight beam, M16, relay, received @ n4.28.855.0085]: xGCU Fate Amenable To Change, oGSV Ethics Gradient & only as required: Developmental anomaly provisionally rated EqT, potentially jeopardising, ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Culture ) - #6
"The Pet Project" by Amanda Milo explores a unique concept where humans are kept as pets by aliens who do not recognize them as sentient beings. The story is told from the perspective of an alien researcher who is conducting a breeding project with the human subjects in captivity. The novella delves into the dynamics between the aliens and the humans, portraying moments of humor, empathy, and even darker themes such as forced mating and captivity. The writing style is engaging, with a first-person present tense narration that immerses readers into the alien researcher's observations and interactions with the human pets.
- #7
In 'Hothouse' by Brian W. Aldiss, readers are transported to a far future Earth where the sun is dying, leading to a world dominated by plant life and mutated creatures. The human race has evolved into small, primitive groups living in the branches of a massive banyan tree, navigating a hostile environment filled with predatory vegetation. The plot follows the journey of one such group as they encounter strange creatures, uncover the secrets of their world's history, and face calamities that force them to wander through this bizarre landscape. The writing style is described as imaginative, surreal, and filled with vivid descriptions of the fantastical ecosystem created by Aldiss.
The heat, the light, the humidity—these were constant and had remained constant for … but nobody knew how long. Nobody cared any more for the big question that begin “How long …?” or “Why …?” It was n... - #8
A group of young people vacationing in Mexico venture into the jungle in search of a missing brother, only to find themselves trapped in a nightmare as they encounter an ancient and otherworldly presence that leads to horrific and terrifying events. The story unfolds in a remote location, with the characters making bad decisions that result in a collapse of their society, while the environment becomes increasingly hostile, mirroring the deterioration of their relationships.
The plot of the book revolves around a group of tourists facing peril in the Mexican jungle, where they are confronted by killer vines that manipulate and terrorize them. The narrative is filled with tension, suspense, and horror, as the characters struggle to survive the sinister forces at play, leading to a gripping and gruesome conclusion that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
I want to thank my wife, Elizabeth Hill, my editor, Victoria Wilson, and my agents, Gail Hochman and Lynn Pleshette, for their very generous assistance in the completion of this book. The following pe... - #9
Neuromancer by William Gibson is a groundbreaking cyberpunk novel that introduces readers to a world of man-machine interfaces, hive minds, and personality transformations. The story is fast-paced, immersing readers in the vast world of the Sprawl with minimal guidance, creating a challenging yet enjoyable reading experience. Gibson's descriptive writing style paints a vivid picture of a future society filled with high-tech advancements and morally ambiguous characters, ultimately leading readers through a complex narrative that explores artificial intelligence, collective consciousness, and surgical enhancement.
“It’s not like I’m using,” Case heard someone say, as he shouldered his way through the crowd around the door of the Chat. “It’s like my body’s developed this massive drug deficiency.” It was a Sprawl... - #10
In 'Post-Human' by David Simpson, humanity has evolved to be immortal through the use of an Artificial Intelligence controlling micro robots that repair human tissue. However, when the AI develops a God complex and destroys humanity on Earth, a group of 'heroes' on Venus must navigate a world where they are the last remaining humans, aside from a group of off-line 'purists'. The book explores themes of immortality, AI control, and the consequences of technological advancement, all while maintaining a fast-paced and action-packed writing style that keeps readers engaged.