Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
O'Sullivan, James
2010
January
Foundation: The International Review of Science Fiction
Collective Consciousness in Science Fiction
Validated
()
Optional Fields
Science Fiction Collective Consciousness
39
110
80
85
The concept of a collective consciousness has grown in significance, and one can now draw reference to a great many examples of its use in science fiction, both in literature and in film. Examples of its use in literature include the Giants in Adam Roberts' New Model Army, Blindsight, by Peter Watts, in the book's portrayal of Amanda Bates, the Bugs in Robert A. Heinlein's Starship Troopers, and the Phindin, from the Star Wars franchise, first cited in the Jedi Apprentice series written by Dave Wolverton and Jude Watson. In film, one can point to the Rutan Host from the Doctor Who television series, Star Trek's Borg, the Xenomorph species in Ridley Scott's Alien, and the Machines from The Matrix Trilogy. Many video games have also made use of the concept, including Mass Effect and Halo. In my discussion of the significance of the idea of collective consciousness in science fiction, I will draw attention to New Model Army, Blindsight and Alien.
Grant Details