PhD Presentation 'It Goes On' Jane Larkin UniSC Confirmation Presentation and TED Talk Exemplar

This Doctorate of Creative Arts combines elements of philosophy, science, and creative writing to investigate how a philosophically structured science-fiction novel can challenge the theory of linearity and singularity of time through the ‘many worlds’ theory. This concept is addressed through the creation of an exegesis and accompanying creative artefact, designed to be read in conjunction with each other, in an explorative, interwoven manner. This research undertaken into scientific concepts, such as the ‘many worlds’ interpretation of quantum mechanics, and diverse philosophers and their ideologies on time, are embodied in an original science-fiction narrative titled, It Goes On. The five frames that make up the creative artefact are enhanced not only by five leading philosophers, and their philosophies on time, but by an appreciation of the exegesis, which comes first in the doctorate. Research into traditional approaches to storytelling are creatively and innovatively inverted in a number of ways, thus challenging the singularity and linearity of time. Further nonconventional approaches into literary techniques include an abstract narrator, embodied by Time, a concept and a figure in the text, whose voice and vantage point in relation to death furthers the unreliability of the notion of time. These further challenge individuals’ understanding of complex scientific and philosophical views in a variety of ways. The science-fiction genre is essential when considering the speculative nature of It Goes On, which deals with parallel realities, and is a fantastical exploration of human ingenuity in plausible futures. Therefore, this doctorate documents the research-led methodology used to create It Goes On, the application of the ‘many worlds’ theory within a framed narrative, and the many innovative techniques used to contribute new knowledge in a variety of fields.