Education, transhumanism and eugenics in science fiction works of Huxley, Asimov and Niccol

Abstract

Science fiction literature and film are often seen as a mere pastime. However, science fiction literature and film are a critique of the ideas propagated in the time of the author and of the possible outcomes technological advancements might have on society. The goal of this paper is to give a critical overview on the ways the subject of education has been regarded in Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World'(1932), Isaac Asimov's 'The Naked Sun'(l957), and Andrew Niccol's film 'Gattaca'(1997). Education was often seen as a means of social control, and in the case of afore mentioned authors it is a means by which a dystopian society achieves subjugation of the subjects. The pillars of such educational systems are elimination of free thought, over-reliance on technology and education is often coupled with eugenics and transhumanism. The paper will also discuss the basic ideas behind eugenics and transhumanism as well as the relationship between the eugenic and transhumanist movements.