Kim Stanley Robinson, an award-winning science fiction writer best known for the Mars Trilogy and Ministry of the Future, explores how science fiction shapes science representations in society and argues that understanding “totality” is essential in turbulent times. He explains how speculative futures are one of the few spaces to create cognitive maps to make sense of the complexity of global systems shaped by widening inequality and climate pressures. Robinson stresses that science fiction is not a prediction but constructs plausible future histories that allow us to contemplate what could happen, what we want to avoid, and what better trajectories look like. He argues that fiction can model stepwise transitions - not as policy prescriptions, but as narrative explorations of what social and economic alternatives might entail. 

Find out more in his conversation with Clare Stark.

The facts, ideas and opinions expressed in these podcasts are those of the authors; they are not necessarily those of UNESCO or any of its partners and stakeholders and do not commit nor imply any responsibility thereof. The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout these episodes do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.