Sociologists of Science and Technology take science fiction very seriously. Although it is often dismissed as a cheap literary form, it represents an important way in which contemporary societies try to think about and shape their futures. In this respect, it stands alongside more ‘respectable’ literary forms like modelling or scenario planning. Science fiction emerges alongside modern science and develops in parallel with it, as a commentary on its tropes and visions. ..
There will, no doubt, be strong pressure for rapid, universal, access to any Covid-19 vaccine. The story of Dr Coffin and his team might help to remind us why this should be resisted.
A Social Science Space blog