Why Do Sci-Fi Writers Assume Aliens Would Be Biological?

Have you ever noticed how most aliens in science fiction (sci-fi) stories tend to look remarkably similar to us humans? It's a common assumption among writers that aliens would be biological, much like the humans they've created. However, this belief is far from universal. Sci-fi authors have indeed imagined and brought to life a myriad of non-biological beings, yet this isn't as widely recognized.

Archetypes vs. Innovation

One of the reasons behind this tendency is something known as Central Casting Syndrome. The concept is simple: it's easier to imagine and describe a bipedal alien with a humanoid appearance. These beings are often given a dash of detail, such as antennae or extra fingers, to distinguish them from humans. There's a certain familiarity that comes with this approach, and it’s often preferred over the more challenging task of inventing completely alien life forms.

Past Assumptions and Today’s Reality

Interestingly, the current trend towards biological aliens is quite different from the way humans once viewed other cultures and civilizations. For example, in the 16th century, the British King purchased a land called New Holland (now Australia) for just eight British dollars, believing that the people living there might walk on all fours and have heads where their buttocks should be. This mindset stems from a lack of exposure and understanding, much like the way some early sci-fi writers assume aliens must be biologically similar to us.

Voices of Innovation

Thankfully, there are numerous examples of sci-fi literature that challenge these assumptions. One such example is the Pierson’s Puppeteers from Larry Niven’s M errorCallback(netError) { (`Error: ${error}`); }else if(typeof error 'string'){ (`Error: ${error}`); }
Lia Circ series. These beings are massive, crafting their world in a way that planetary gravity is harnessed for creative purposes. Another notable example is the Horta, a shape-shifting, rock-based organism in Star Trek: The Original Series. These aliens are far from the familiar bipedal form we often associate with extraterrestrial life.

Challenge and Creativity

The challenge lies in rethinking key aspects of an alien's existence. How would an insectoid race with large delicate wings move and manipulate objects differently? What would be the impact on their thought processes? These are questions that don't just test the imagination but also push the boundaries of what we consider when creating fictional worlds.

Implications of Biological Assumptions

Moreover, the biological assumption can actually limit the depth of the narrative. If a race of aliens looks exactly like humans, the opportunities for cultural and societal contrasts are limited. However, if they have fundamental physiological differences, it opens up a whole new realm of storytelling. The Mesklinites from Mechwarrior and Cinrusskins from Warhammer 40k are just two examples of alien species with unique physical traits that impact their societies in profound ways.

A Brief Note on Sapiens and Biology

It’s worth noting that the biological assumption is not exclusive to sci-fi. In certain cases, writers might also use aliens to represent a version of us, using different forms of technology or biology to achieve similar goals. However, this approach can also be seen as a form of them as us, emphasizing the universal nature of sapience over biological specifics.

Ultimately, the assumption that aliens must be biological is a cultural and imaginative artifact. While it's comforting to think that the universe around us is populated by beings that resemble us in some fashion, the reality is far richer and more diverse. Believe in the infinite possibilities, and let your imagination run wild with the strangest and most fascinating alien life forms you can conceive of!