Science-in-fiction in biological science: A study of select works

Abstract

With the help of selected texts, the importance of a new genre or third culture called science-in-fiction/theater is explored. C.P. Snow discussed the two cultures in Rede lecture delivered at the Cambridge University. He talked about the gap between these cultures and the gulf of mutual incomprehension between scientists and non-scientists. This new genre helped to fill gaps between these cultures. Three texts were chosen for this work with three different biological themes. This thesis focuses on Genetics, Artificial Reproduction, and Creation vs. Evolution debate. Andrea Barrett‘s ―The Behaviour of the Hawkweeds‖ (1996) focuses on Mendelian Genetics. Carl Djerassi‘s An Immaculate Misconception: Sex in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction (2000) discusses the ethics involved in scientific innovations such as Artificial Reproductive Technology and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee‘s work Inherit the Wind (1955) engages with Creation vs Evolution debate. These works are written by practicing scientists and non-scientists. The life of the scientists in the laboratory during their experiments, the role of women in the laboratory, the ethical issues of authorship and consent, the misuse of scientific advancements of science, the conflicts between science and religion are some of themes explored in the chapters. These themes help bridge the gap between two cultures, the Sciences and the Arts.