Frankenstein: Myths, Monsters, and Modern Science: Science & Engineering
19th Century Medicine
Frankenstein criticized new and emerging medical practices. It seemed to most people in the 19th century as though doctors were playing God. Some thought doctors' blind acceptance of science and reason was naive and reckless. Below is a list of articles which discuss 19th Century medical research related to themes in Frankenstein.
- Frankenstein and (Sublime) CreationCompares an art exhibit comprised of preserved corpses to the novel, and how each relies on the Romantic concept of the sublime.
- A Strand of Vermicelli: Dr Darwin's Part in the Creation of Frankenstein's Monster.How the scientific knowledge of Erasmus Darwin inspired Shelley.
Biotechnology
Modern scientific developments, including cloning, genetically modified organisms, stem cell research and bio-engineering, have stimulated debate among scientists and activists. As we continue to make technological advances, some are concerned that these discoveries could have disastrous effects on humanity. Below is a list of articles that discuss how Frankenstein is still relevant to current controversial scientific topics.
- Making People: Today's Wariness of Reproductive Technologies Stems from Myths, Legends and HollywoodExplores the history of our fascination and fear of reproductive technologies by tracing its use in popular fiction.
- Dr. Frankenstein Meets Lord Devlin: Genetic Engineering and the Principle of Intangible HarmDiscusses genetic engineering and the possibility of harmful results.
- Dolly: Scientific Breakthrough or Frankenstein's Monster? Journalistic and Scientific Metaphors of CloningThe consequences of cloning animals and humans becoming mainstream.
- Bioterrorism, Embryonic Stem Cells, and FrankensteinExamines the stem cell controversy using the themes in Frankenstein.
Scientific Limits & Impact
New technologies have great potential, but are what are the limits? Are we considering the possible consequences? Will our impact on the environment eventually outweigh the benefits of new discoveries? Below is a list of articles that discuss the limits and impact of science in relation to Frankenstein.
- Technology and Impotence in Mary Shelley's FrankensteinContrasts the illusion of power in technological capability with the ways technology weakens or usurps human freedom and power.
- Fooling with Mother NatureExamines how the "Frankenstein Factor" influences scientific development.
- Monsters of modernity: Frankenstein and modern environmentalism.Argues the novel can be used as a contemporary framework to examine the ethics of science.
- Frankenstein and Mary Shelley's "Wet Ungenial Summer"How Frankenstein was inspired by Shelley's concern for the fate of the natural world.
Conscious Machines
Like Frankenstein's monster, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is a man-made creation that embodies life and emotion. Fictional works have only recently started exploring the impact of A.I., most notably the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? & the more popular film adaptation Blade Runner. Throughout scholarly texts and scientific studies, there is much discussion about the ethics of creating technology that could imitate human emotion and behavior. Below is a list of articles that discuss this current debate in relation to Frankenstein.
- Cosmos and Consciousness in the New Age Digital Aesthetics: An Exploration into the World of The Matrix and Final Fantasy VII.Explores how works of science fiction, including Frankenstein, have influenced our view of artificially created environments.
- Golems in the Biotech CenturyExplores the relationship between the Golem, the most famous post-biblical Jewish legend, and Frankenstein.
Please CONTACT US if you have questions.