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GATTACA
Ang, Argonza, Babaan,
Bulaong, Tiberio

In the “not-so-distant” future, genetic engineering is common and DNA plays the primary role in determining social
class.

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Vincent Freeman, born without the aid of gene modification, faces genetic discrimination in this society. He realizes
that despite his greatest efforts, his “invalid” genes will prevent him from any kind of success.

The only way he can achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut is to impersonate a person with the appropriate
genetic advantage.

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Science Fiction

- “Dystopian” society wherein a

- Eugenics - aimed at improving the
genetic composition of individuals
- Space Exploration – Gattaca (the
movie) forecasts the prominence of
space travel
person’s role is determined based
on his/her genes
- Natural born children are known as
“invalids” with menial jobs
- Children that were genetically
modified were known as “valids”
with more prominent jobs

How can science fiction contribute to the development of science and technology?

- Science fiction could inspire scientists to explore the boundaries of their work.

- Soon, parents would have the option to choose their child’s skin color, hair color and eye color in
addition to sex. (Steinberg, 2009)

- Sci-fi can help portray the consequences of abusing science and technology.

- Production of sci-fi works could even directly contribute to scientific discoveries.

- Three research papers were published following the release of the movie “Interstellar” as a result
of the insights gained from rendering black hole simulations. (Pratt, 2016)

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What about science fiction allows it to develop science and technology?

- As a form of literature, sci-fi is capable of creating statements against social issues. (eg.
Gattaca: abuse of technology, discrimination)

- Through the use of creativity and imagination, sci-fi writers could draw attention to things
that matter.

- Writing sci-fi works gives a writer “scientific freedom” which can be an avenue to
brainstorm new ideas as well as portray an ideal (or non-ideal) world.

End