Axiomatic (short story)

Axiomatic (short story)

This entry describes the short story "Axiomatic" by Greg Egan. It is part of his collection Axiomatic and explores various thought experiments and hypothetical scenarios related to physics, mathematics, and consciousness. The story itself is not a single, unified narrative but rather a collection of interconnected vignettes, each exploring a different concept or idea. Themes frequently explored include:

• The nature of reality: Many stories delve into alternate realities, altered perceptions of reality, and the potential for fundamental physical laws to be different than what we observe.
• The limits of human understanding: Several vignettes highlight the challenges of comprehending concepts beyond our normal experience, such as higher dimensions or radically different physical laws.
• The relationship between mind and body: The interactions between consciousness, the physical world, and potential manipulations of both are frequent subjects.
• Technological implications of advanced physics: The stories often portray advanced technologies that manipulate physics in ways we cannot presently conceive of, raising ethical and philosophical questions.
• Counter-intuitive physics: The stories frequently explore scenarios violating conventional understanding of physics (e.g., time travel, non-Euclidean geometries), showcasing their logical implications and philosophical ramifications.

While the individual vignettes can be read independently, they often share thematic links and underlying philosophical concerns. The collection as a whole examines the boundaries of our current understanding of reality and the potential for vastly different universes or perspectives. The title, "Axiomatic," reflects the way the stories often present seemingly self-evident starting points (axioms) that lead to unexpectedly complex and thought-provoking conclusions. The narrative style is typically characterized by technical precision and a focus on logical coherence, even when dealing with highly speculative concepts. Egan's writing style emphasizes rigorous exposition over emotional drama.