The Artificial Paradise

by Ben-Tov, Sharona

• ISBN13: 9780472105809
• ISBN10: 0472105809
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-05-01
• Publisher: Univ of Michigan Pr

Summary

"The Artificial Paradiseshows how science fiction is a powerful purveyor of cultural myths rooted in the history of the West, myths that shape American attitudes toward nature, technology, and the pursuit of happiness. Sharona Ben-Tov posits the theory that science fiction is an American "national mode of thinking" which seeks to replace nature with technological worlds- paradoxically, in hope of regaining a mythic, magical American Eden. Science fiction imagery- from fifties sci-fi through women's sci-fi and cyberpunk- keeps alive the desires of and anxieties born during the Scientific Revolution, when the Western view of nature changed radically. Ben-Tov discusses sci-fi classics likeDune,The Dispossessed,Neuromancer, Vonnegut's fiction, and theAliensmovie in relation to ancient and modern myths of nature, to scientific projects like the atom bomb, Strategic Defense Initiative, robotics, virtual reality, and to cultural psychology. The book will appeal to those interested in popular culture, literature, and feminist studies. It will also enchant general readers who are interested in science fiction, especially readers who want to understand more about the relationship between technology and society. "The Artificial Paradisesets out to map the cultural anxieties that have beset Western thinking since the Scientific Revolution, and to investigate the ills that flow from the split in Western thinking between nature and culture and subject and object, and how the split is expressed and reinforced in popular culture and particularly in written science fiction. . . . [A] thought-provoking, wide-ranging book written in an admirably lucid style."--Sarah Lefanu, author of Feminism and Science Fiction "The examination of America's uneasy relationship with nature is an illuminating approach which draws together science fiction studies and American studies. The witty and readable style should attract a wide readership."--Brian Attebery, Idaho State University "The Artificial Paradiseis at once intellectually provocative, knowledgeable, and literate. As our lives become increasingly determined by technology, we will need to turn to such thinkers as Dr. Ben- Tov to guide us through its dangers and pleasures."--Alan Lightman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sharona Ben-Tov is Assistant Professor of Creative Writing and English, Bowling Green State University. She is author ofDuring Ceasefire(Harper-Collins), a book of poems.

Author Biography

Sharona Ben-Tov is Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing, Bowling Green State University.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 1
Man-made Wonder	p. 15
Wonder: Made in USA	p. 53
Myths of the Final Frontier	p. 89
Cyborgs and Daughters: Feminist Myths in the Man-made World	p. 135
Paradises Lost and Regained	p. 167
Cyberpunk: An Afterword about an Afterlife	p. 175
Notes	p. 183
Index	p. 197
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