Why Science Fiction Will Lead to a New Renaissance

I mentioned in a previous article that science fiction serves a necessary and important role the sustaining of the integrity of the human psyche, as the world moves into the future. Here I will try to explain its role as a bridge to a new renaissance-like age of art.

The first step to clearing our heads, is to redefine, for ourselves, what exactly science fiction is. One of the main definitions that has been put forward is by the theorist Darko Suvin. He defines the genre as providing 2 functions. One he calls "estrangement", which simply means that the reader senses the events and surrounding of the fictional world, as "feeling" different from ones own. The second condition, which is harder to grasp is "cognition", which means that somehow, the reader looks at the world in such a way that while they find it foreign, they see it as logically built up from some common, basic building block, that is shared with the normal world. This permits the reader to reevaluate his own world thus producing "cognition".

Now, estrangement, without cognition, Suvin simply defines as "fantasy". In other words, we accept the world as foreign, and don't demand an explanation as to why. When estrangement is combined with cognition we get science fiction. Specifically, cognition lines up with science, and estrangement lines up with fiction, and thus science fiction is a synonym for cognition estrangement.

Why this definition is important, is that it allows us to reevaluate all literature and art, in terms of these conditions. Of course he did not intend it, but it does really fit the task of illuminating art to the point where its value can't be denied. And I believe that it will give the theoretical push to collective creativity, that we may find more, and more wonderful ways, of producing those 2 caveats he suggested, cognition and estrangement.

We can apply these conditions to any work, take for instance Oliver Twist, by Dickens. When we interpret the city of London as some incomprehensible dream world, it gives the story a whole new aspect of worth. It can be directly read to increase the imagination, and the patterns found therein can be used in any other art form. All of these years it has been slowly and sneakily building the foundation for a renaissance.

Once we take science fiction seriously, it can begin to serve its purpose as the backbone of a new and more fantastic art form.

Important Facts About Online Courses

Are you thinking of going back to school to take up another course? Well, if you are still young and you have not yet found a job, then it is possible to go back to a regular school. But, what if you are already working and you suddenly wanted to take a new course or to study again? Well, it is a big problem especially if your work is suddenly requiring their employees to learn new things like technology or computer related tasks. In the past, it is impossible for working individuals to return to school. With the introduction of online degrees, more people decided to go back to the learning stages without sacrificing anything in their working life. Here are some of the facts that you need to know about these online courses.

Popularity

When it comes to popularity, you can consider some computer-related courses. They are probably the most in demand and the best online technology degrees on the Internet today. A lot of people take up online courses related to computers and latest technology. They are more popular than other courses like medical courses, engineering courses and more.

Online Courses Offer More Benefits

The main reason why people opt for these degrees is the benefits that it offers. If you are already working, you can still apply for an online degree. They will offer you more flexible time. You can set your own schedule depending on your preference. Also, you do not have to dress up when you are going to school. Even while wearing pajamas or shorts, you can already start your online classes. You do not need to go to an actual school to learn. Simply sit in front of your computer and start self studying through the use of a curriculum and guidance of an online professor.

Online Courses also have Disadvantages

Even though it is more convenient to consider degrees online, there are also a couple of disadvantages. Since you do not go to an actual school, you have to rely on yourself. You need to study by yourself using the sources and curriculum provided. If you will be asking questions, you cannot get an instant reply. You still need to wait for the professor to answer your questions. Your attitude can also affect your learning. If you are not the type of person who can learn by themselves, then you will surely have hard time learning online.

Companies Worldwide Recognize Online Certification

With the increasing popularity of online degrees, more and more companies began to recognize the certificates given by legitimate websites that offers online courses. Because of this, more and more people are also drawn to look for degrees on the Internet. Since it is very convenient, they prefer this method than going back to an actual school and pay for huge tuition fees.

These simple facts can help you decide whether to obtain a technology degree online. You can look for the best online technology degrees that suit your taste and obtain the certification that you need.