El ocaso del mito del progreso y la ciencia ficción latinoamericana

Modernity, that is, the project of the Western world, stands as a seismic event in civilization, not only reshaping humanity but also exerting profound influence upon a significant portion of life on Earth and the planet itself. Among the myriad expressions of this phenomenon is science fiction, a narrative and aesthetic tool through which we elucidate the impacts, possibilities, and reverberations of techno-scientific aspects on life, time, and imagination. Anchored in the concept of linear time and the notion of gradual and inevitable improvement in human living standards through the utilization of science and technology, the myth of progress is integral to both modernity and science fiction. Confronted with the palpable decline of the Western world and the tarnishing of the myth of progress, what opportunities and challenges emerge for Latin American science fiction? This text delves into this inquiry and aims to outline some responses.