What if Star Wars was real?

If Star Wars were real, humanity’s understanding of physics, biology, and history would be radically different, challenging our present scientific paradigms and potentially leading to a vastly altered technological and societal landscape.

The existence of the Force, artificial intelligence in the form of droids, interstellar travel, and diverse alien species would reshape geopolitics and our understanding of life. Our current understanding of space would be incomplete, and the prevalence of advanced technology would necessitate new frameworks for governance and daily life, likely featuring more widespread interstellar conflict and cooperation than we can currently comprehend.

Technological and scientific revolutions

The most profound change would be the existence and understanding of the Force, a pervasive energy field that grants individuals special abilities like precognition. The feasibility of faster-than-light travel, artificial gravity, and advanced robotics would have long ago rewritten the laws of physics as we know them. Droids, acting as everything from personal assistants to soldiers, would be commonplace, altering labor markets and concepts of personhood. 

Social and political realities

Star Wars’ diverse universe implies that humanity is not alone, with a galaxy populated by many different species. Interstellar governance and conflicts over resources or political ideologies would be a reality, likely centered around powerful factions like the Galactic Empire or the Republic. The cyclical nature of conflict and recurring cycles of corruption seen in the films would suggest that even with advanced technology, humanity’s fundamental political and social challenges persist. 

Philosophical and existential questions

The existence of the Force would raise deep philosophical questions about consciousness and the nature of reality. The existence of diverse alien cultures would challenge humanity’s anthropocentric view of life.

The very possibility of a galaxy-spanning civilization would force us to consider humanity’s place and purpose within a larger, cosmic context, potentially transforming our understanding of our own history, myths, and future.