fictionalcomputational

Fictional computational refers to the exploration and creation of computational systems, processes, or entities that exist solely within fictional narratives. This concept encompasses a wide range of ideas, from imagined artificial intelligences and advanced alien technologies to theoretical computing devices and speculative algorithms. Unlike real-world computer science, fictional computational operates under the rules and logic defined by the author, allowing for possibilities that may defy current scientific understanding or engineering constraints.

Such fictional constructs often serve to drive plotlines, explore philosophical questions about consciousness and technology, or simply to add a sense of wonder or dread to a story. Examples can be found in science fiction literature, film, and video games, where characters might interact with sentient computers, utilize devices that perform impossible calculations, or grapple with the ethical implications of advanced AI. The term does not denote a specific academic field but rather a recurring theme and tool within creative works. It is distinct from theoretical computer science, which focuses on the mathematical foundations and limits of computation in the real world.