Outline for the Second Term Paper

Nexus of Art and Science

Term Paper Outline

Title: Black Mirror’s “San Junipero”

1. Introduction
1. Describe the Black Mirror episode “San Junipero” (2016)
2. Give background information on Black Mirror series
1. Simulations, questioning an afterlife, morals, possible future
2. Physics in “San Junipero” episode
1. Describe physics principles shown in episode
1. Action/Reaction principle 
1. Character punches mirror, mirror shatters. Character looks again and the mirror is completely fine
2. Inertia principle
1. Character speeds car in simulated reality, and in very angry/intense moment crashes into wall and crashes through windshield. No injury/scratch on her
3. Einstein’s theory of relativity
1. Most of the episode, it seems like character is traveling through time. Questioning whether time is linear or not, is time travel really possible?
3. Political and social/moral aspects of simulated reality/future technology
1. Set in undetermined time in future, though mainly set in the 1980’s
2. Mention rise of VR/simulated reality in modern times
1. Describe virtual reality
2. Debate of "has technology gone too far?" Invasive technology, a part of every aspect of our lives
3. Discussion of the possibility of an afterlife, is it moral to control our destinies after death. Religious connotations
4. Conclusion
1. Discuss possible impact of technology advancing, especially virtual reality/simulations, in our society. Choice to accept/reject tech in our lives