The realm of science fiction serves as a captivating tapestry, weaving together speculative narratives that extend beyond the bounds of conventional reality. Within this expansive genre, three thematic strands emerge as critical foci: Posthumanism, Alternate Realities, and Cyberculture. This exploration aims to unravel the nuanced layers embedded within these themes, offering a critical lens through which to examine the implications for contemporary society, ethical considerations, and the trajectory of human existence.

At the heart of science fiction lies the exploration of Posthumanism, a concept that transcends the traditional boundaries of human existence. It envisages a future where technology, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering propel humanity beyond its biological limitations. Through seminal works such as Isaac Asimov's "I, Robot" and films like "Blade Runner," Posthumanism in science fiction becomes a canvas upon which ethical and philosophical dilemmas are painted.

The narratives interrogate the essence of humanity as characters grapple with augmented identities, sentient machines, and the precarious balance between the organic and the artificial. Posthumanism, as depicted in these works, serves as a mirror reflecting contemporary concerns surrounding technology's role in shaping our future. The ethical implications of enhancing human capabilities and the societal structures that evolve in tandem are laid bare, prompting audiences to question the very fabric of what it means to be human.

In the expansive landscape of science fiction, Alternate Realities emerge as a playground for exploration, where authors and creators reimagine the foundations of existence. Through the lens of parallel universes, time travel, and virtual realms, science fiction becomes a conduit for probing the intricacies of our current reality and the potential permutations of the human experience.

Works such as Philip K. Dick's "The Man in the High Castle" and Christopher Nolan's "Inception" serve as portals into alternate realities, where societal anxieties, political ideologies, and the fragility of human existence are laid bare. These narratives transcend the speculative, providing a medium through which audiences can reflect on their own realities. The construction and deconstruction of alternate worlds become metaphors through which to grapple with the uncertainties of the present, inviting contemplation on the malleability of truth, the consequences of choice, and the fundamental nature of reality itself.

In tandem with the rise of the digital age, science fiction has emerged as a harbinger of Cyberculture. This exploration delves into narratives that navigate the intersection of technology, humanity, and corporate power. Cyberpunk, as a subgenre, takes center stage, envisioning dystopian futures where the boundaries between man and machine blur.

This exploration into Posthumanism, Alternate Realities, and Cyberculture within science fiction transcends the boundaries of speculative storytelling. It becomes a profound journey into the heart of societal reflections, ethical quandaries, and the trajectory of humanity in an era dominated by rapid technological advancement. By critically engaging with these themes, audiences are not merely entertained. Still, they are prompted to introspect on the implications for their own lives and the collective future. Science fiction, in its ability to serve as a reflective mirror and a visionary compass, emerges as a vital tool for understanding the complex tapestry of the human experience in a world ever more entwined with the threads of innovation and possibility.

Keywords:  Alien Invasion, Alternate Realities, Artificial Intelligence, Climate Fiction, Cyborgs in Sci-Fi, Cybernetics, Gender in Sci-Fi, Horror in Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalypse, Posthumanism, Robotics, Science Fiction, Solarpunk

We invite Scholars, Researchers, and enthusiasts of Science Fiction to contribute to our Upcoming Edited Book, that delves into the intricateness of multiple sub-genres of Sci-Fi. This Book explores the multifaceted interactions, influences, and speculations that have shaped our understanding of the future through the lens of Speculative Fiction. By analyzing a diverse array of sub-topics, we aim to provide a comprehensive examination of the intersection between science fiction narratives and their possibilities. Please share your Abstract along with a brief bio note. (Details below)

All Abstracts (250-300 words) along with a short Bio-note (100 words), should be directed to: editors.cisf@gmail.com 

Here are some suggested Sub-Topics for the Book Chapter (but are not limited to):

1. Exploring Alternate Realities: Time, Space, and Beyond:

• Time and Space in Sci-Fi

• Virtual Reality in Sci-Fi

• Alternate Dimensions and Metaverse in Sci-Fi

• Techno-culture, Sino-Futurism, Afro-Futurism and Xeno-Fictions

2. Future of Society and Humanity in Sci-Fi Worlds:

• Utopia, Dystopia, and Post-Dystopia in Sci-Fi

• Solarpunk and Climate Fictions

3. Post Humanity and Sci-Fi: AI, Robots, Posthumanism, Post Animalism:

• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Sci-Fi, Post-Insecticism and Post-Objectism

• Transhumanism, Cyberculture, Cyborgs, and Sci-Fi

• Technological Singularity in Sci-Fi

• Consciousness and the Philosophy of Posthumanism in Sci-Fi

• Genetic Engineering in Sci-Fi

4. Spirituality, Philosophy, and Beyond:

• Sci-Fi and Spiritualism/Philosophy.

• Prophecies in Sci-Fi

• Minds and Machines in Sci-Fi

5. Alien Encounters and Cosmic Wonders:

• Representations of Alien Bodies in Sci-Fi 

• Representations of Invasion and Colonization in Sci-Fi

6. Gender Perspectives and Identities in Sci-Fi Texts:

• Feminism and Cyber-feminism in Sci-Fi

• Representations of Gender in Sci-Fi

• LGBTQA+ Science Fiction

7. Cultural Reflections: Global Sci-Fi Literature:

• Science Fiction Literature Across Various Cultures

• Nation, Territory, and Sci-Fi

8. Horror, Fantasy, and Apocalyptic Themes:

• Horror and Fantasy in Science Fiction

• Apocalypse, Post-Apocalypse, and Sci-Fi

Submission Guidelines:

• Use Times New Roman. The paper title should be in font size 14 (Bold), and font size 12 should be used for the subtitle and the rest of the paper.

• Heading and subheading in Center Alignment, Author’s signature in right alignment. The Abstract body and author’s bio will be justified. Keywords will be italicized and alphabetically arranged.

• Abstracts should be 250-300 words, along with a short (100 words) Bio-note which is written on a separate page but submitted as one single document.

• Submit the Abstract in a standard document format such as .doc or .docx.

Deadlines -

Abstract Submission : 20th November 2023

Selected Abstract Shortlisted and Notified by: 30th November 2023 

Full Chapter Submission (upon Acceptance): 15th March 2024

The final selection of Submissions for publication will be made by the Editorial Board on the basis of a Double-Blind Peer Review.

The Book will be Published by in Collaboration with a leading International Publishing House. 

Editors :

Sayan Chattopadhyay, Doctoral Researcher & Faculty, Department of English, Adamas University, India

Sanjukta Chakraborty, Doctoral Researcher & Faculty, Department of English, Adamas University, India

Dr. Mukulika Dattagupta, Associate Professor, Department of English, Adamas University, India

Dr. Débora Madrid Brito, Faculty of Fine Arts, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain.