Replay: a novel with critical commentary

This thesis comprises a novel and a critical commentary. The novel, Replay, is a near-future science fiction work set in Toronto that explores the effects of technology on society. The commentary explores contemporary science fiction works on technology, the boundaries of the science fiction genre, the notions of utopia and dystopia in fiction, and the use value of science fiction as an exploratory tool. I argue that while science fiction has room for many things, in my view its highest and best use is when it is critically utopian in its treatment of its subject matter, and optimistically inclined in terms of its tone. Further, I argue that science fiction is the ultimate practice as research tool, as it can provide new knowledge and function as an objective, intuitive means for interrogating the future.