Netflix’s adaptation of Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem presents a confluence of science fiction and philosophical exploration, focusing on advanced technology, existential dilemmas, and the conflict between faith and science. This paper examines how the series interweaves scientific concepts such as quantum entanglement and nanotechnology with philosophical themes through the characters of Ye Wenjie and the "Oxford Five".

Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates narrative and ideological analyses. The narrative analysis explores the story, characters, and themes, particularly the ethical ramifications of scientific discovery and Ye Wenjie’s perspective on the alien threat as potential salvation. The ideological analysis examines how the series reflects or challenges social, political, and cultural ideas, especially through the adaptation's setting in the UK and its multi-ethnic cast.

The portrayal of artificial intelligence, particularly the Trisolarans’ sentient supercomputer, probes the limits of consciousness and ethical technology use. By analyzing these elements, this study highlights how the series uses science fiction to examine existential questions, morality, and humanity’s future, emphasizing the struggle between faith and science and questioning humanity’s survival amid technological and moral failings.

Authors:
Noble Po Kan Lo, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
Sumie Tsz Sum Chan, University of Hong Kong, China

About the Presenter(s)
Noble Lo is currently a lecturer at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - College of Professional and Continuing Education.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

Bookmark