This archive report was first published on 9 July 2021.
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it's essential to consider the role of science fiction in shaping our understanding of the world and its potential futures.
Author Elsie Eyakuze reflects on the importance of science fiction in her recent article, highlighting its ability to make the surprises of the future less unforeseen.
She begins by discussing a YouTube video featuring Bob Reid, who presented on the potential misuse of synthetic biology in 2019. Reid's presentation was a form of speculative fiction, exploring the possibilities of human behavior and the consequences of emerging technologies.
Eyakuze notes that science fiction often serves as a way to answer the question 'What If,' using trends and technologies to imagine possible futures. However, she also acknowledges that science can be intimidating, particularly when it involves mathematics.
Despite this, Eyakuze argues that science fiction can be a powerful tool for thinking about the future and its potential challenges. She cites the example of Isaac Asimov's work, which influenced the design of robots and artificial intelligence with its three laws.
As Eyakuze reflects on the importance of science fiction, she also touches on the relevance of Margaret Atwood's work in framing discussions around women's bodily freedom. She suggests that science fiction can provide a way of thinking about the future and its potential consequences, making the surprises of the future less unforeseen.
Ultimately, Eyakuze sees science fiction as a way of thinking about the future, providing a framework for understanding the potential consequences of emerging technologies like synthetic biology.
