Star Wars Day: science or societal division?

On May 4th, fans celebrate Star Wars Day, a pun on the franchise’s iconic phrase, “May the Force be with you.” For most it’s little more than a pop culture celebration, for me it’s a reminder of a motorbike accident on that day in 2016 [1]. To mark the anniversary (and remember the kind people who came to my rescue) I take it as an opportunity to reflect on the philosophical ideologies and scientific progress embedded in science fiction. For me, comparing speculative fiction like Star Wars and Star Trek highlights not only our technological advances but also the contrasting political and social philosophies that shape society’s perception of progress.

Science fiction has long served as a source of inspiration for technological advancements. Many of today’s innovations were once considered science fiction, only to be realized through dedicated research and development. I often look at today’s advances knowing that my younger self would be in awe of our progress. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, space travel, and robotics have evolved from speculative fiction to concrete reality. For instance, NASA scientists cited Star Trek’s communicators as a precursor to modern smartphones, and advancements in artificial intelligence echo themes found in both Star Wars and Star Trek[2].

With the recent acceleration of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing, one might expect that the celebration of Star Wars Day would centre around these achievements. Instead, the day remains a fan-driven pop culture event, largely disconnected from real-world scientific milestones. This does raise an important question: Are we using science fiction to inspire scientific discourse, or is it simply entertainment that diverts attention from the real ethical and ideological challenges that come with progress?

Contrasting Philosophies

The Star Wars and Star Trek franchises offer fundamentally different visions of the future. Both contain advanced technology (and space) but they diverge in their portrayal of society and governance that is particularly relevant in this age of rising fascism and oligarchy.

Star Trek envisions a meritocratic, utopian society where human and alien civilizations cooperate for the betterment of all. The United Federation of Planets is depicted as an interstellar democracy, with an emphasis on diplomacy, scientific inquiry, and social progress. Rooted in Enlightenment principles, Star Trek embodies a vision of humanity where knowledge and unity pave the way for a better future [3]. It is effectively the image that USA has believed itself to represent.

In contrast, Star Wars presents a more dystopian and hierarchical universe, where the struggle for power dominates. The Galactic Empire is a totalitarian regime, while the Rebel Alliance fights for liberation. Despite its themes of heroism and redemption, Star Wars fundamentally presents a universe governed by hereditary monarchies, aristocratic warriors, and mystical forces rather than rational institutions [4].

These thematic differences mirror broader societal trends. The Star Trek philosophy aligns with liberal democratic ideals and scientific progress, whereas Star Wars reflects a more mythic, hierarchical worldview. As real-world politics have increasingly polarized, the Star Wars model—where conflict is resolved through force rather than dialogue—seems to be growing in resonance with modern audiences.

The rise of right-wing ideology

Despite rapid technological progress, many societies have seen a resurgence of conservative and nationalist ideologies. Paradoxically, as science advances, populist movements often resist or reject empirical evidence in favour of ideological beliefs. This phenomenon is evident in climate change denial, vaccine scepticism, and the pushback against AI regulation, even as these technologies are shaping our future [5].

Right-wing movements often emphasize tradition, nationalism, and hierarchical structures—values reflected in Star Wars’ political landscape. The persistence of monarchic and feudalistic elements in Star Wars contrasts sharply with Star Trek’s vision of egalitarianism and reasoned discourse. While Star Trek imagines a society where scientific enlightenment leads to prosperity, Star Wars aligns with the notion that history is cyclical, with civilizations rising and falling due to power struggles rather than scientific progress. The appeal of Star Wars—a universe where destiny and lineage matter more than merit—can only resonate with rabid contemporary political movements that seek a return to perceived traditional values rather than embracing rapid societal transformation.

Science fiction as a driver of progress

Given the ideological divergence between these two franchises, it is worth questioning whether Star Wars Day should—or could—evolve into a broader celebration of scientific achievement. Could May 4th be reclaimed as an opportunity to highlight advances in scientific exploration, artificial intelligence, and medical research? Could it serve as a reminder that science fiction is not just about entertainment but also about envisioning and guiding humanity’s trajectory? Could they be the vehicles of awe to inspire the next generation of forward thinkers?

Efforts have been made to bridge the gap between science fiction fandom and real-world scientific discourse. NASA, the European Space Agency, and institutions like MIT have engaged in public outreach using science fiction as a framework to discuss future technological possibilities. Yet, these efforts remain niche compared to the global appeal of Star Wars as a cultural event [6]. If Star Wars Day were leveraged to promote STEM education, discussions on ethics in AI, and reflections on the philosophical implications of progress, it could help counteract some of the anti-science sentiment currently seen in political discourse. Rather than being purely a celebration of nostalgia, it could become a vehicle for engaging younger generations in scientific inquiry and critical thinking.

Scientific advances inspired by Star Wars

The Star Wars saga, with its holographic communications, lightsabres, and droids, has inspired generations of scientists and engineers. While these technologies once seemed fantastical, many now mirror real-world innovations:

• Robotics and AI: C-3PO and R2-D2 exemplify advanced robotics and contemporary robots like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas and NASA’s Valkyrie reflect strides in autonomous systems [7]. AI-driven prosthetics, such as modular bionic limbs by Open Bionics, echo Luke Skywalker’s robotic hand, offering users near-natural mobility [8].
• Exploration: The concept of the Death Star’s planet-destroying laser parallels real-world directed-energy research, such as the U.S. Navy’s Laser Weapon System [9]. Meanwhile, initiatives like SpaceX’s Starship and the Artemis Program aim to make regular space visit a reality with a view to colonizing Mars [10].
• Holography: Holograms, like Princess Leia’s distress message, are now emerging via 3D volumetric displays [11]. Quantum communication networks, which promise un-hackable data transfer, evoke the instantaneous galactic communication of the Star Wars universe [12].

These innovations underscore sci-fi’s role as a catalyst for scientific ambition. Yet, as we marvel at such progress, we must also question why our societal structures lag behind these technological leaps.

Star Trek’s Meritocratic Utopia vs. Modern Political Realities In contrast to Star Wars’ feudal galaxy, Star Trek envisions a post-scarcity Federation where meritocracy and cooperation prevail. Resources are abundant, education is universal, healthcare a given right and decisions are science-driven—a stark contrast to today’s political landscape in what are believed to be advanced societies:

• The meritocratic ideal: Star Trek’s United Federation of Planets prioritizes egalitarianism, epitomized by the Vulcan philosophy of “infinite diversity in infinite combinations.” Careers are chosen based on aptitude, as seen in the rigorous Starfleet Academy admissions [13]. Studies suggest such meritocracies foster innovation; for example, nations with high social mobility produce more patents [14].
• Right-wing populism: Contemporary politics, however, reflects a shift toward nationalism and scepticism of scientific institutions. The 2020s saw increased climate change denial [15], vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic [16], and policies exacerbating inequality [17]. Such trends clash with Star Trek’s ethos, where science and unity guide governance.
• Case Study: Climate Policy vs. the Prime Directive: While Star Trek’s Prime Directive mandates non-interference with developing civilizations, real-world governments often prioritize economic growth over environmental stewardship. The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement (2017–2021) exemplifies this discord [18].

Conclusion

Star Wars Day is a testament to the power of science fiction in shaping culture, yet it remains largely detached from the scientific advancements that could define our future. While Star Wars presents a compelling mythos, it also aligns with a hierarchical and power-driven worldview that reflects the current resurgence of right-wing ideology. In contrast, Star Trek envisions a future shaped by scientific progress and rational discourse—an ideal that remains aspirational.

Sci-fi fuels interest in STEM. A 2019 NSF survey found 38% of scientists cited sci-fi as childhood inspiration [19]. Events like Star Wars Day leverage this enthusiasm, with museums hosting “Science of Star Wars” exhibits to teach physics and engineering [20]. As technological progress accelerates, it is crucial to ensure that science fiction remains a tool for enlightenment rather than escapism. Reclaiming Star Wars Day as a celebration of human achievement, curiosity, and ethical responsibility could be one step toward bridging the gap between technological advancement and societal progress. In the words of one of my childhood heroes, Carl Sagan, “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” Let May the Fourth remind us to wield our scientific prowess with wisdom, ensuring progress benefits all—not just those sick with power.

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