Muslim Futures : Jorge Matthias Dettermann, Delia Cortese, Glaire Anderson and Laila Shereen Sakr

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The panel provides valuable insights into the diverse ways Muslim societies engage with futurism and technology. Determann’s argument that science fiction flourishes even under authoritarianism, supported by examples from Syria and Iran, challenges simplistic assumptions about the relationship between political repression and cultural creativity. Cortese’s concept of ‘citizen curators’ and vernacular historiography offers a fresh perspective on how social media democratizes historical interpretation, though she critically notes the risks of presentism and myth-making. Anderson’s focus on video games as a medium for Islamic art and history is innovative, though the presentation is brief. Sakr’s theoretical approach to ‘contrapuntal futurity’ adds a sophisticated layer, but it may be less accessible to a general audience. The argumentation is generally solid, with speakers grounding their claims in specific examples and scholarly references. However, some presentations are more descriptive than analytical, and the panel could benefit from deeper engagement with counterarguments or alternative perspectives.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The speakers demonstrate strong scholarly rigor, referencing academic works, historical sources, and specific cultural artifacts. Determann cites his own book ‘Islam, Science Fiction, and Extraterrestrial Life’ and mentions fatwas by Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid. Cortese references Gary Bunt’s ‘Islamic Algorithms’ and her own publications on the Fatimids. Anderson likely draws on her expertise in Islamic art and digital media, though specific sources are not explicitly mentioned. Sakr’s presentation is more theoretical, referencing concepts like ‘contrapuntal’ from Edward Said, though not explicitly cited. The title accurately reflects the panel’s focus on Muslim futures and cultural production. The discussion is well-structured, with each speaker addressing a distinct aspect of the theme. However, the panel is a recording of a live event, so the quality of audio and video may vary, and some visual aids are not fully visible. The sources cited are credible, but the panel does not provide a formal bibliography, relying instead on verbal references.

The title accurately reflects the panel's focus on cultural production and Muslim futures, as each speaker addresses different aspects of futurism, digital media, and historical representation.

8/10

The panel features established academics presenting research-based insights, with references to scholarly works and specific examples. The discussion is well-structured and critical, though it relies on the speakers' expertise rather than formal peer-reviewed evidence.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 03:00Jörg Matthias Determann begins his talk on futurism and science fiction in Muslim societies, discussing the Mukaab project in Saudi Arabia.
• 24:50Delia Cortese starts her presentation on the representation of the Fatimids on social media.
• 45:55Glaire Anderson presents on Islamic art, history, and video games.
• 1:07:00Laila Shereen Sakr delivers her talk on 'Contrapuntal Arab/Muslim Futurity.'
• 1:20:00Nathaniel Greenberg provides discussant remarks, synthesizing the panel's themes.

• Muslim Futures Conference Event Page — Official event page for the conference, providing context for the panel.

• Islam, Science Fiction and Extraterrestrial Life — Book by Jörg Matthias Determann, referenced in his talk, supporting his arguments on science fiction in Muslim societies.
• Islamic Algorithms — Book by Gary Bunt, referenced by Cortese, providing a framework for understanding digital Islam.