What should be the role of science fiction (SF) in informing how we
develop and govern science and technology? Some SF is just for fun, some SF explores what it means to be human under different
circumstances, and other SF imagines strange new worlds, including new kinds
of humans, new kinds of machines and new kinds of worlds. SF is also
cited by many scientists and engineers as an impetus for their career
choice. But are there other ways that SF should do more to try to guide society?
It’s all too common in the USA that scientists must pay hundreds of dollars to have their research published. But imagine getting paid to publish instead of paying to publish. This would be a dream for American academics. In other countries, getting paid to publish isn’t a dream. Rather it’s a beautiful reality.
If I dedicate my life
to seeking peace and justice through governance, how then do I define
governance and how do the others I am working with define it? To answer this question and find common
ground of definition between opposing parties is a first step in the direction
toward peace building.
