Stephen Lawrence, University of Adelaide

Beyond the industrial revolution, poetry and its alleged indivisibility from science and logical thinking continued to be re-evaluated in the light of advancing technologies. Poetry has often been presented as indivisible in its purpose from science and scientific research: Heidegger, and later Derrida, insist that technology and poetic/unscientific modes of thought can be ‘thought together.’ Creative writers are uniquely placed to contend with scientific subjects. Physicist Niels Bohr famously said: “When it comes to atoms, language can be used only as in poetry.”

However, I suggest this linguistic privilege is not entirely supported, and in this paper will explore whether either channel of communication—science or poetry—need claim ownership of a higher epistemological status. I will provide a brief historical survey of the relationships between science and poetry, arguing that contemporary science—including the implications of genetics, subatomic theorising and quantum mechanics—opens up new artistic realities. In this context, I will examine how three contemporary Australian poets—Peter Goldsworthy, Kate Fagan and Luke Davies—draw upon science and modern technologies for their creative art. Science informs their work, and they apply knowledge of scientific research and modern technologies to artistic ends. I posit that these poets’ adoption of scientific modes produces an enrichment, even a modest renewal, of both discourses.