Magic, art, religion, science: blurring the boundaries of science and science fiction in Marge Piercy's cyborgian narrative

Abstract

While the definition of SF has been heavily debated, it is generally recognized to have some connection to the concept of science. Darko Suvin suggests that if we take science to stand for cognition and fiction for estrangement, there is sound reason for calling the genre science fiction (13). The way science is envisioned therefore has substantial ramifications for how we define science fiction. Over the past two decades feminist theorists such as Evelyn Fox Keller and Helen Longino have increasingly criticized science for its masculinist bias, universalist assumptions, and commitment to pure, neutral, objective knowledge. In response to such critiques, feminist scientists and some SF writers have advocated an alternative approach to science incorporating recognition of differences, multiplicity, complexity, and partial and situated knowledges (Baccolini 18).