Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5838

Title: Informationist Science Fiction Theory and Informationist Science Fiction
Authors: Long, Bruce Raymond
Keywords: Science Fiction
Information Theory
Informationism
Anti-simulacra
Simulacra
Information Types
Veridical information
Literary theory
Pseudo-information
William Gibson
Iain M Banks
Neal Stephenson
Alastair Reynolds
Science Fiction Theory
Novum
Pseudo-novum
Character-novum
Auto-novum
Pseudo novum
character novum
Darko Suvin
N. Katherine Hayles
William Paulson
High information
Claude E Shannon
Adrian Moles
Hyperreal
Hyperreality
Hyperreal information
Samuel R Delany
Damien Broderick
David Lewis
Transrealism
Transrealist Manifesto
SF Mega-text
SF Codon
Thomas Pynchon
Information Synthesis
Synthesis
Multivariate nexus
Heterogeneous information profile
Cognitive Aesthetic
Complexity
Aesthetic of Complexity
Veridical Information
Issue Date: 4-Feb-2010
Publisher: University of Sydney.
Abstract: Informationist Science Fiction theory provides a way of analysing science fiction texts and narratives in order to demonstrate on an informational basis the uniqueness of science fiction proper as a mode of fiction writing. The theoretical framework presented can be applied to all types of written texts, including non-fictional texts. In "Informationist Science Fiction Theory and Informationist Science Fiction" the author applies the theoretical framework and its specific methods and principles to various contemporary science fiction works, including works by William Gibson, Neal Stephenson and Vernor Vinge. The theoretical framework introduces a new informational theoretic re-framing of existing science fiction literary theoretic posits such as Darko Suvin's novum, the mega-text as conceived of by Damien Broderick, and the work of Samuel R Delany in investigating the subjunctive mood in SF. An informational aesthetics of SF proper is established, and the influence of analytic philosophy - especially modal logic - is investigated. The materialist foundations of the metaphysical outlook of SF proper is investigated with a view to elucidating the importance of the relationship between scientific materialism and SF. SF is presented as The Fiction of Veridical, Counterfactual and Heterogeneous Information.
Description: Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5838
Appears in Collections:Sydney Digital Theses (Open Access)

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