Two levels of social concerns are depicted in Sphere. At the core of the novel's plot is the question of how to approach an artifact of unknown origin that may have come from another planet. Crichton develops the various conflicts — military versus scientific interests, and cultural versus humanitarian ideals — that surround this issue. The struggle to protect individual rights comes up against the desire of special interest groups to psychologically manipulate individuals for their own ends. At stake is the future of the human race. During the debate over these matters, other, more basic social concerns surface, leading to questions about race relations and sexual discrimination. These conflicts are acted out in the backgrounds, attitudes, and actions of Harry Adams and Beth Halpern as they respond to the other members of the investigative team and to developing events.