Remove Avatar
The film Avatar should be removed from this page. I make two arguments: 1) Avatar is not SPECULATIVE. 2) Avatar is SCIENCE IN GENRE ONLY.
Strangely, the comment states that "the most unrealistic element" is the similarity between humans and Na'Vi. In fact, this would result from convergent evolution (a theory of much debate among contemporary evolutionary theorists).
Avatar centers on the existance of Unobtainium. This is a term from Material Science and refers to a element that cannot exist. From tvtropes itself, "Unobtainium is the exotic metal or other material that is needed to make the Applied Phlebotinum work."
Most species depicted in Avatar violate the SQUARED/CUBED_LAW. Again, this shows that Avatar is not speculative. The mechs also violate this rule. This violation alone would result in classification of ONE_BIG_LIE if we assume alien evolution and human invention converged on a single technology. Otherwise we fall below PHLEBOTINUM.
Hide / Show Replies
I will defer to anyone who has seen the movie — are there any objections to bentv's proposal?
It's already been moved to One Big Lie (The Big Lie in this case being Unobtainium and FTL communication). But just to get some closure on this conversation, I'd like to address your arguments, bentv. (1) A work does not have to be speculative in nature to be considered Speculative Science. It helps, but it's not a requirement. (2) Avatar belongs in One Big Lie, not Science In Genre Only. (3) The alien species and the AMP suits do not violate the Square-Cube Law because Pandora is explicitly stated to be smaller than Earth, with weaker gravity.
Edited by jagillette 'Cross my heart, strike me dead, stick a lobster on my head.'
I want to add more into anime/manga examples under futurology. I have seen Planetes (+ manga), Moonlight Mile, and Rocket Girls, and I want to add more detail on each. For example:
- Though premise is teenage girls in skintight space suits riding rockets to space, Rocket Girls is solid rocket science. And those skintight space suits may become reality soon enough.
Did I get syntax right? If nobody has nothing against it, I'll toss that to wiki along with the 2 others.
[edit] Looks like I got link to Pun wrong. How do I get it right?
[edit2] Found an example to link to Pun page.
Edited by Matti
Remove The Martian
Andy Weir's The Martian does largely follow our current understanding of Mars. However, it belongs in One Big Lie rather than Speculative Science. The an important plot point, there is a windstorm strong enough to destroy the station and force the astronauts to leave, is not possible because of the lower air density on Mars.
I have added more detailed descriptions for anime Moonlight Mile, Planetes, and Rocket Girls.