Asimov-the future through the prism of science and the past

Isaac Asimov is one of the most influential Sci Fi writers in literature and is on par with the greats of literature. What makes him stand out among the other Sci Fi writers is his remarkable combination of fiction and understanding of science. And yes I realize it sounds strange to say that when talking about the Science Fiction genre.

What is incredible is the understanding behind the works. In his Robotics works Asimov shows an incredible understanding, for his time, of artificial intelligence and its limitations and abilities. This knowledge is so recognized by the community that it has led to awards in the field of AI named after him. Many following scientist proclaim that his works are what ispired them to pursue the field or artificial intelligence or robotics. His other important series-The Foundation Series is different.

The books are based on the fall of a Galactic Empire-Asimov has based that empire of the Western Roman Empire at the time of its fall. He has created this empire with incredible likeness to its real world origin and an inspiring adaptability to the Science Fiction goal of his narrative. The book focuses on topics of social sciences and economics and their future. As a student of the social sciences I can say how amazing his key concept of Psychohistory is.

This science he imagined for his books is in its essence a scientific way to predict nations, and states, future actions and development. It is an exploration of our current level of understanding of human society, we have just recently seen society as something to be studied scientifically and have started thinking of ways to predict groups of people and economics of nations and the world. The purpose of Psychohistory is to show us what such abilities will develop in, if they reach its maximum potential. The two series of Asimov's books are some of the most influential literary works of the recent century and given the scientific acumen shown in them, the recent future we are experiencing and the way technology is evolving will only make them even more relevant.