%0 Journal Article
%T Bridging the Gaps: Science Fiction in Nanotechnology
%A Jos¨¦ L¨®pez
%J Hyle : International Journal for Philosophy of Chemistry
%D 2004
%I HYLE Publications, Karlsruhe and University of Karlsruhe
%X This paper argues that narrative elements from the science fiction (SF) literary genre are used in the discourse of Nanoscience and Technology (NST) to bridge the gap between what is technically possible today and its inflated promises for the future. The argument is illustrated through a detailed discussion of two NST texts. The paper concludes by arguing that the use of SF narrative techniques poses serious problems to the development of a critical analysis of the ethical and social implications of NST.
%K philosophy of chemistry
%K nanoscience and technology
%K ethical and social implications
%K science fiction
%K extrapolation
%U http://www.hyle.org/journal/issues/10-2/lopez.pdf