Sci-Fi From the Future

Published: Aug. 5, 2019, 2:15 p.m.

b'(repeat) Are you ready to defer all your personal decision-making to machines? Polls show that most Americans are uneasy about the unchecked growth of artificial intelligence. The possible misuse of genetic engineering also makes us anxious. We all have a stake in the responsible development of science and technology, but fortunately, science fiction films can help.\\nThe movies\\xa0Ex Machina\\xa0and\\xa0Jurassic Park\\xa0suggest where A.I. and unfettered gene-tinkering could lead. But even less popular sci-fi movies can help us imagine unsettling scenarios regarding over-population, smart drugs, and human cloning.\\xa0\\nAnd not all tales are grim.\\xa0The 1951 film,\\xa0The Man in the White Suit, weaves a humorous story of materials science run amok.\\xa0\\xa0\\nSo, grab a bowl of popcorn and join us in contemplating the future of humanity as Hollywood sees it!\\nGuest:\\n\\nAndrew Maynard\\xa0\\u2013\\xa0Physicist and professor at the School for the Future of Innovation in Society at Arizona State University.\\xa0Author of\\xa0Films from the Future: The Technology and Morality of Sci-Fi Movies.\\n\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'