Science Fiction as a Driver of Science? This Chapter, More

question 6

Essay

Science Fiction as a Driver of Science? This chapter, more than any other in the book, involves familiar themes of science fiction: space travel, extraterrestrial life, extraterrestrial intelligence, and more. Give and discuss two concepts that started out as science fiction but ended up as science fact. Give and discuss an example of an idea from science fiction that will likely never be realized as science fact. Do you think that the rise in popularity of science fiction (Star Trek, Star Wars, and others)has increased or decreased the general public's understanding of science? Explain.

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Definitions:

Normal Good

A good for which demand increases as consumer income rises, and decreases as consumer income falls.

Income

The money received by individuals or entities, typically in exchange for providing labor, selling goods, or making investments.

Substitute Goods

Products or services that can replace or be used in place of one another, having the ability to satisfy similar consumer needs or desires.

Iced Tea

A chilled beverage made by cooling brewed tea and typically served with ice, sometimes sweetened or flavored.