One of the things that science fiction gets to do is thought experiments about the human condition that would be impractical or unethical to conduct in real life.
Interpretation
Science fiction allows exploration of human nature and ethical dilemmas through hypothetical scenarios.
In this quote, Robert J. Sawyer highlights the unique role of science fiction as a genre that enables writers and thinkers to engage in thought experiments concerning the human experience. These hypothetical scenarios provide insights into moral and ethical questions that may be difficult, or even impossible, to explore in reality, allowing for deeper understanding and reflection on the complexities of life and humanity.
In practice
In a science class discussing ethical implications of AI, one could use this quote to highlight how science fiction explores complex themes.
People are looking for a simplicity in their fictional worlds where good and evil are clearly delineated, that you can't find in the real world, and that provides an enormous comfort - and that, I think, has an awful lot to do with the reason fantasy is so popular.
Our job is not to predict the future. Rather, it's to suggest all the possible futures - so that society can make informed decisions about where we want to go.
Neither had Watt of the Steam engine a heroic origin, any kindred with the princes of this world. The princes of this world were shooting their partridges... While this man with blackened fingers, with grim brow, was searching out, in his workshop, the Fire-secret.
But because we live in an age of science, we have a preoccupation with corroborating our myths.
Scientists who think science consists of unprejudiced data-gathering without speculation are merely cows grazing on the pasture of knowledge.
Imagine being able to predict and prevent cancer before it starts. If we gather the world's talent and expertise in a committed, targeted effort, great progress is possible.
I believe all complicated phenomena can be explained by simpler scientific principles.
But just as astronomy succeeded astrology, following Kepler's discovery of planetary regularities, the discoveries of these many principles in empirical explorations of intellectual processes in machines should lead to a science, eventually.
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