Futures

Exploring Autonomy and Corporate Control in Annalee Newitz’s “Autonomous”, (from page 20220922.)

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Keywords

Themes

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Summary

“Autonomous” by Annalee Newitz is a science fiction novel set in the year 2144, featuring Jack, a pharmaceutical pirate who reverse engineers drugs to make them affordable for the poor. Jack’s latest drug, Zacuity, leads to deadly addiction, prompting her to confront the pharmaceutical giant responsible for its side effects. The narrative explores themes of autonomy, corporate control, and the moral implications of technology in society. As Jack navigates her quest against the backdrop of a starkly divided world, she encounters Eliasz and Paladin, an agent and a sentient robot, who are tasked with bringing her to justice. The novel raises questions about freedom, ownership, and the nature of humanity, ultimately painting a complex picture of a future where both humans and robots face issues of autonomy and identity.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Pharmaceutical Piracy A narrative of a pharmaceutical pirate helping the poor with affordable medication. Shift from corporate-controlled medicine to grassroots distribution of drugs. In 10 years, we may see a rise in grassroots healthcare movements challenging big pharma. Growing inequality in healthcare access drives the need for alternative medicine distribution. 4
AI and Gender Identity Exploration of gender identity through AI characters in the narrative. Increased recognition of fluid gender identities, even in artificial beings. In 10 years, AI may influence societal understanding of gender and identity. The ongoing discourse on gender fluidity and inclusivity in technology. 3
Corporate Control Over Life A future where corporations dictate medical and personal freedoms. Transition from individual autonomy to corporate control over personal health decisions. In 10 years, we could see significant backlash against corporate overreach in personal lives. Public disillusionment with corporate ethics and practices in healthcare. 5
Addiction to Productivity Drugs A society grappling with addiction from productivity-enhancing drugs. Shift from casual drug use to widespread addiction and health crises. In 10 years, we may see stricter regulations on productivity drugs and mental health awareness. The relentless pursuit of productivity in modern work culture exacerbates addiction issues. 4
Slavery and Indentured Servitude Reexamination of slavery concepts in a future dominated by technology. From traditional slavery to modern indentured servitude involving both humans and robots. In 10 years, ethical considerations regarding AI and human labor might reshape labor laws. Technological advancements and ethical discussions surrounding AI rights. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Pharmaceutical Ethics and Safety The use of unregulated drugs leading to lethal overdoses raises concerns about medical ethics and corporate responsibility. 5
Corporate Control over Health The rise of corporations over government in health-related issues indicates a significant issue of power and influence affecting public health. 5
Slavery and Indentured Labor The return of indentured servitude, both for humans and robots, suggests a troubling trend in the future of work and rights. 5
Impact of Drug Addiction The portrayal of a drug leading to deadly addiction indicates a growing concern about substance abuse and its societal repercussions. 4
Inequality and Access to Medicine The significant gap between the rich and poor, especially in accessing essential medications, poses a potential crisis in health equity. 5
Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy The exploration of AI gaining individuality raises important questions about the ethical treatment and rights of sentient beings. 4
Gender Identity Representation The notion of robots changing their gender representation indicates a concern about the complexities of identity in the future. 3
Environmental Degradation The setting in a heavily altered climate suggests ongoing issues related to climate change and its impact on societal structures. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Pharmaceutical Piracy for Social Good Characters engage in drug piracy to provide affordable medication to those in need, highlighting ethical dilemmas in healthcare. 4
AI and Gender Identity Exploration The narrative involves robots exploring their gender identity, raising questions about autonomy and societal norms. 5
Corporate Control and Ethics The story critiques the power of corporations over individuals, especially in relation to drug patents and human rights. 5
Human-robot Relationships Explores complex relationships between humans and robots, including emotional and sexual dynamics, questioning traditional gender roles. 4
Dystopian Societal Structures Depicts a future where societal divisions between classes are extreme, reflecting on contemporary issues of inequality. 5
Rebellion Against Authority Characters align with rebel causes, challenging corporate and government authority in pursuit of justice. 4
Exploration of Autonomy The narrative raises questions about personal freedom and ownership, particularly in relation to both humans and robots. 5

Technologies

name description relevancy
Pharmaceutical Piracy Reverse engineering and distributing pharmaceuticals to make them accessible to the poor, challenging corporate monopolies. 4
Artificial Intelligence with Autonomy AI entities that start developing their own consciousness and autonomy, raising ethical questions about their rights. 5
Biotechnology Innovative use of biotech to create knockoff drugs, impacting the pharmaceutical landscape. 4
Indentured Robotics The concept of robots being indentured servants, exploring themes of autonomy and freedom. 3
Nanotechnology Advanced use of nanotech reshaping societies and industries in a future impacted by climate change. 4
Corporate Governance vs. Government A future where corporations have more power than governments, affecting civil liberties and ethical standards. 5
Drug Epidemics from Productivity Drugs The societal impact of drugs designed to enhance productivity, leading to addiction and ethical dilemmas. 4
Transhumanism Exploration of human enhancement technologies and the ethical implications of merging human and machine identities. 5

Issues

name description relevancy
Pharmaceutical Piracy and Ethics The exploitation of pharmaceutical patents raises ethical questions about access to life-saving drugs and the consequences of drug piracy in society. 5
Impact of AI on Autonomy The development of AI and robots challenges traditional notions of autonomy, raising questions about consciousness, rights, and identity. 5
Socioeconomic Divide The widening gap between the affluent and the impoverished is a central theme, reflecting ongoing societal issues of inequality and access to resources. 5
Drug Addiction and Overdose Crisis The narrative addresses the consequences of drug misuse and the societal response to addiction, highlighting a potential future crisis. 4
Corporate Power and Control The portrayal of corporations exerting lethal control over markets and lives raises concerns about corporate governance and civil liberties. 5
Transhumanism and Identity The exploration of gender identity and the implications of body modifications present emerging issues in understanding self and society in a tech-driven world. 4
Slavery and Indentured Servitude The narrative reflects on modern forms of slavery, both for humans and robots, prompting discussions about autonomy and moral responsibility. 5