THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE: PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCE FICTION IN CLAIRE NORTH'S NOVEL "THE FIRST FIFTEEN LIVES OF HARRY AUGUST"

Abstract

As developed in this paper, science fiction shows us the distorted vision of the present with its anxieties about (mis)use of science although it deals mostly with the future and alternative realities. Thus SF stories both praise scientific progress and repulse its terrible applications caused by irresponsible abuse of technology. This paper focuses on how contemporary SF deals with philosophical issues of life, death, technology, and the role of science in society. It reviews Claire North's novel "The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August" in which SF conventions parallel and intensify the thriller narrative. The philosophies of Nietzsche and Heidegger have been employed to discuss the theory of eternal return and related topics of nihilism, devaluation of values, and purpose of existence. It is stated that the novel reveals how cognition of totality may lead to death and illustrates that human beings are incapable of achieving omniscience. Personal time is measured by memory and is always linear; therefore it can guarantee meaningful existence only when its arrow points towards growth and maturity. It is shown that ethical issues raised in the novel are based on the distinction between theoretical science signifying truth and its practical application meaning power. Knowledge by itself lies beyond morality; however, means used in its pursuit entail responsibility to others.