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Startide (2017)

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"Startide Rising" is a science fiction novel written by David Brin, first published in 1983. The novel is a complex exploration of themes including intelligence, consciousness, free will, and ethics. The central conflict of the novel revolves around the question of whether non-human intelligence can be considered sentient and deserving of ethical treatment.At the heart of the novel is a group of genetically engineered dolphins and their human companions who stumble upon an alien spacecraft and the secrets it holds. The dolphins, who possess a high level of intelligence, are forced to grapple with the implications of their newfound knowledge and the ethical dilemmas it raises.One of the major themes in "Startide Rising" is the concept of intelligence. The novel raises the question of what it means to be intelligent and challenges the reader to consider the possibility of non-human intelligences. The dolphins, who possess language and advanced problem-solving abilities, are depicted as intelligent beings with their own unique consciousness. This challenges the reader to question the commonly held assumption that intelligence is limited to human beings.Another major theme in the novel is consciousness. The question of whether non-human intelligences can be considered sentient is central to the conflict in the novel. The dolphins' advanced cognitive abilities and their capacity for self-awareness and introspection raise the question of whether they possess a consciousness that is equivalent to human consciousness. The novel forces the reader to consider the possibility that sentience and consciousness are not limited to the human species.Free will is another central theme in "Startide Rising." The dolphins, who were genetically engineered to be highly intelligent, struggle with the question of whether they have free will or if their actions are predetermined by their programming. This theme is also explored in the context of the alien spacecraft and the beings who created it, who are depicted as being bound by a strict set of ethical codes that dictate their actions. The novel raises the question of whether the limitations imposed on the dolphins and the aliens are a form of free will or if they are predetermined by their nature.Finally, ethics is a central theme in "Startide Rising." The novel explores the question of whether non-human intelligences can be considered ethical beings and whether they should be treated ethically. The dolphins are depicted as being capable of moral reasoning and decision-making, which raises the question of whether they should be held to the same ethical standards as human beings. This theme is explored through the conflict between the dolphins and their human companions, who are faced with the difficult decision of whether to respect the dolphins' autonomy and their own ethical obligations to them.In conclusion, "Startide Rising" is a thought-provoking exploration of complex themes including intelligence, consciousness, free will, and ethics. Through its portrayal of genetically engineered dolphins and their human companions, the novel challenges the reader to question commonly held assumptions about sentience, consciousness, and ethical obligations. The novel is a thought-provoking meditation on the nature of intelligence, consciousness, and ethics and is a must-read for fans of science fiction and philosophy.