Science, Engagement, Estrangement:Remarks on Kim Stanley Robinson’s Californian Ecotopia

Abstract

It is sometimes possible for science fiction literature to act as a bridge between disciplines, and offer valuable reflections on the strategies available to a structural 'interdisciplinarity' as well as on how this fascinating (and often elusive) concept can work in the practice of cultural production and reflection. Interestingly enough, the overlap between science fiction studies and Ecocriticism—two fields equally concerned with interdisciplinary issues—, is currently much more limited than might be expected. This essay contains some reflections upon the present and potential state of this dialogue, and offers some comments on Kim Stanley Robinson's Three Californias Trilogy and in particular, on the final novel, 'Pacific Edge', as a case in point.