What If?: Religious Themes in Science FictionWho am I? Why am I here?Where am I going?What if . . .?Science fiction delights in asking old questions in new ways. Rather than being primarily about advanced technology and the imagined future, science fiction novels and films are more fundamentally about issues of human nature and destiny. They provide a unique perspective on the same questions that have dominated theology and philosophy throughout history. In this fascinating book, Mike Alsford aims neither to give a history of science fiction, nor to systematically identify specific religious motifs within the genre, but to create an interdisciplinary, exploratory space where we can engage with the primal themes in new ways. Whether we are already well-versed in science fiction, or have had only the briefest encounters with Frankenstein’s monster and Doctor Who, this book will provide exciting insights into questions of identity, the human condition, our relationships and our destiny. |
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Page 10
By doubting all sources of knowledge that could not be known clearly and
distinctly , Descartes concluded that the only thing that could be known in such a
way is that one exists . This , he argues , is self - evidently so because no matter
to ...
By doubting all sources of knowledge that could not be known clearly and
distinctly , Descartes concluded that the only thing that could be known in such a
way is that one exists . This , he argues , is self - evidently so because no matter
to ...
Page 34
Descartes further sought to clarify the nature of human rational consciousness by
differentiating between mind and body . Though he strenuously sought to avoid
sounding as if he were speaking of an essential human mind or spirit somehow ...
Descartes further sought to clarify the nature of human rational consciousness by
differentiating between mind and body . Though he strenuously sought to avoid
sounding as if he were speaking of an essential human mind or spirit somehow ...
Page 35
While the Enlightenment sought to identify the essence of humanness in terms of
mind or Descartes ' rational consciousness , what Christianity understands as the
human soul seems to want to go beyond this . Contained within the notion of ...
While the Enlightenment sought to identify the essence of humanness in terms of
mind or Descartes ' rational consciousness , what Christianity understands as the
human soul seems to want to go beyond this . Contained within the notion of ...
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Contents
What Are | 31 |
Aliens | 49 |
Where Are We Going and How Do We | 82 |
Copyright | |
1 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
actually alien answer appear argues attempt become begins belief body central century Christian clearly concerning considered context course created creature culture deal define dependent Descartes destiny Earth effect encounter Enlightenment environment establish ethical example existence experience explored fact fear film future genre give hope human idea identity important individual interesting issues Kant kind knowledge live look Machine matter means mind nature never notion novel once ourselves particular past perhaps person philosopher physical planet possible potential present produced question reality reason referred regarded relating relationship religion religious represents science fiction seek seen sense significance simply social society space speaks Star Star Trek story theme theology things thought tradition true ultimately understanding utopia variety virtual whole writers
References to this book
Bibliographic information
| Title | What If?: Religious Themes in Science Fiction |
| Author | Mike Alsford |
| Publisher | Darton, Longman & Todd, 2000 |
| Original from | the University of Michigan |
| Digitized | 27 Feb 2008 |
| ISBN | 0232523479, 9780232523478 |
| Length | 164 pages |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |