Sergei Lukyanenko and Chen Qiufan explain how science fiction writers shape visions of the future
Writers
from Russia and China discussed how science fiction ideas take shape and what
literature is warning us about today. The public talk "Science Fiction:
What Do We Already Know About the Future From Writers?" was held on 13
November at the III International Symposium "Inventing the Future" at
the National Centre RUSSIA.
The discussion brought together Sergei Lukyanenko, a science fiction
writer, screenwriter, board member of the Writers' Union of Russia and member
of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, and Chen Qiufan, President of
the Chinese Science Fiction Writers' Association and co-author of the
bestseller "AI 2041". The
moderator was Nikita Setov, Head of the Department of Social Design at the
Institute of Social Architecture of the presidential platform "Russia —
Land of Opportunity".
The discussion began with questions about how science fiction is
written. Chen Qiufan said that, as a writer, he takes a constantly shifting
vision of the future and gives it shape. For Sergei Lukyanenko, ideas begin
with the question "What if?"
"What really interests us is how an idea or invention from science fiction
would affect us, both as individuals and as a society. That is what a writer
should do: look for ways the world might change and tell a story about how
those changes would affect each of our lives," he explained.
The discussion then turned to artificial intelligence. Both speakers agreed
that neural networks can help writers find the information they need, analyse
data or brainstorm ideas. The Chinese science fiction writer also discussed
"AI 2041", the book he co-wrote with Kai-Fu Lee.
"In 'AI 2041', I tried to paint a fairly realistic picture of what the
next 20 years might look like. There is drama, and the characters face ethical
questions. The aim was to focus on the different ethical issues AI raises that
we need to pay attention to. I wanted to show that we are all living through constant
change. It is vital to rethink what we have learnt, find new ways of doing
things and develop the skills we need to live alongside technology," noted
Chen Qiufan.
Sergei Lukyanenko sees a science fiction writer's main role as warning people
today about what lies ahead. For Chen Qiufan, it is to invent the future. Both
agreed that science fiction can be a form of "soft power", helping us
see people from other countries as people just like ourselves.
Sergei Lukyanenko and Chen Qiufan also took part in "Drafts of the
Future", an open discussion with science fiction writers and futurists.
Alongside Jean-Paul Pinto Morales (Ecuador), a professor at UTEG University and
researcher in strategic foresight and science fiction, and other experts, they
discussed how the creative intuition of science fiction writers can stress-test
models of the future. The discussion was moderated by Valery Fedorov, Director
General of the VCIOM Analytical Centre.
The ceremony for the II All-Russian Science Fiction Literary Award, established
by the National Centre RUSSIA and the Writers' Union of Russia, was also held
on 13 November in the Congress Hall of the National Centre RUSSIA. The jury,
chaired by Sergei Lukyanenko and made up of professional writers, critics and
experts, selected more than 120 works. Winners were chosen in five categories:
"Fiction", "Translation", "Children's and Young Adult
Fiction", "Visual Image" and the new category,
"International Recognition".
The III International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is being held
on 12–13 November at the National Centre RUSSIA and brings together more than
8,000 participants from 109 countries. The event was organised at the direction
of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, under the auspices
of the Decade of Science and Technology, with the support of the Russian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Event photobank
The National Centre RUSSIA and the ATOM Museum have agreed to work together on educational, cultural and leisure projects.
The ceremony for the II All-Russian Science Fiction Literary Award was held on 13 November at the III International Symposium "Inventing the Future".
New releases and trends in Russian game development, the strengths of the Russian games industry and cybersecurity were among the topics in focus at the Gaming Lobby "Gaming Session of the Future".
