Evolution and influence of space representation on Sci-Fi Philosophers

The Moon landing in 1969 represented a zenith of utopian optimism in space exploration. However, the harsh reality of the Moon’s environment tempered these expectations, marking a critical shift from an idealized infinite cosmoz to a more grounded and nuanced understanding of space. This shift extends beyond space exploration symbolizing a broader departure from metaphysical ideals, as society began to move away from grand narratives and transcendent visions.

Marc Gilbert’s Volume, which initially celebrated the boundless possibilities of space exploration, epitomizes the transition but began to reflect the growing disillusionment with the grandiose promises of space exploration. The show increasingly addressed the limitations and practical challenges of space travel, signaling a move away from viewing the infinite as a source of unbridled hope and aspiration.

This transformation aligns with the philosophical thoughts of Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger. Nietzsche’s critique of grand metaphysical narratives and Heidegger’s exploration of Being forshadowed this ontological void, where the concept of the infinite becomes an empty unatteinable ideal rather than a source of ultimate meaning.

The 1980s marked a significant shift in focus back to Earth, driven by a growing awareness of ecological concerns and  the interconnectedness of life. This era witnessed a renewed emphasis on environmental protection and the recognition of our planet’s fragility.

In contrast to the expansive vision of the 1970s, French television programs of the 1980s began to highlight environmental issues and the importance of protecting our planet.

While Volume was centered on space exploration, by the 1980s, French television began to feature programs that explored ecological concerns and the natural world, reflecting a broader societal shift toward environmental awareness and Aldous Huxley or George Orwell anti-utopian themes, such as totalitarianism, societal control, and fragility of freedom that influenced thinkers like Hannah Arendt, Claude Lefort, says Anna Saignes, but also dystopian authors like Ray Bradbury and counter-utopian such as Michel Houellebecq or Boualem Sansal.

Quest for Inner Well-Being and Contemporary Humanism

By the late 20th century and early 21st century, the focus moved towards personal development and inner well-being. This shift was influenced by Carl Rogers’ and Abraham Maslow’s humanistic psychology, which emphasized self-realization and personal growth.

Science fiction has increasingly focused on themes of well-being and personal fulfillment, as seen in works like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Akira, Babylon Babies, Gravity, Interstellar, Arrival, and Le Règne Animal. This shift aligns with contemporary humanism, marking a transition from the external exploration of space to an introspective journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Conclusion

The transformation in space representation, as illustrated by Marc Gilbert’s 1970 show, reflects broader philosophical and societal changes. The shift from an infinite, utopian vision of space after 1969, as seen in Gilbert’s evolving coverage, mirrors Nietzsche’s and Heidegger’s critiques of grand metaphysical narratives. The subsequent refocusing on Earth in the 1980s, and the quest for inner well-being in the early 21st century, highlights a move from external exploration to internal self-discovery. French television, through its evolving programming, captures and enriches our understanding of these shifts, reflecting the broader societal and cultural evolution in our perception of space and self.