Science fiction and technology scenarios: comparing Asimov's robots and Gibson's cyberspace

Abstract

In this paper the relationship between technology scenarios and science fiction is examined. Science fiction, a form of symbolic creativity, often considers the consequences of technology for society and mankind—but a science fiction story is not a scenario. The differences come not only from its form and wide public appeal, but also because science fiction is much less a normative exercise than a scenario, leaving room to explore the effects of the broad spectrum of human nature. This study is based on two major science fiction works: the Cycle of Robots by Isaac Asimov and Neuromancer by William Gibson. Contrasts are drawn between the safe utopian society depicted by Asimov and the dark but accurate future vision of Gibson, ending with an assessment of how science fiction can contribute to the technology scenario technique.