Nature, Deterrence, and Law: The Core Social Logic of “The Three-Body Problem” and a Philosophical Dialogue

Following the success of Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem series, relevant discussions in humanities and social sciences have more or less revolved around the concept of deterrence and its jurisprudential basis. The fundamental view and operational logic depicted in the series, spanning from human society to the cosmic society, create a macro and multidimensional reflection of numerous related issues, posing an objective challenge to traditional humanities. Nature, deterrence, and law constitute a set of conceptually intertwined constructs with profound internal relationships, which can be interpreted as the foundational logic governing the universe in a broad sense within the novel’s context. Furthermore, they offer insights into the inherent evolution and transformation of these concepts within modern societal thought. Comparing relevant topics in the theories of Hobbes and Kant, and their respective influences on the author’s creative endeavors, can provide perspectives for a more multifaceted exploration.