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. |
From inside the book
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Page 34
... body . Though he strenuously sought to avoid sounding as if he were speaking of an essential human mind or spirit somehow inhabiting a physical body , it is difficult not to view Descartes ' account of the mind / body dualism in this ...
... body . Though he strenuously sought to avoid sounding as if he were speaking of an essential human mind or spirit somehow inhabiting a physical body , it is difficult not to view Descartes ' account of the mind / body dualism in this ...
Page 89
... body's emotion- producing system begins to show up . The brain tries to go on as before , out of habit and memory ... body as it appeared in its prime : ' Some people liked the overt Cartesian mind - body dualism . They could drive their ...
... body's emotion- producing system begins to show up . The brain tries to go on as before , out of habit and memory ... body as it appeared in its prime : ' Some people liked the overt Cartesian mind - body dualism . They could drive their ...
Page 90
... body , there still exists a residual trace of the father's data within that world , a ghost of a ghost who cannot be erased and who implores his son to get him out . Stories such as this one focus upon the notion of a human essence ...
... body , there still exists a residual trace of the father's data within that world , a ghost of a ghost who cannot be erased and who implores his son to get him out . Stories such as this one focus upon the notion of a human essence ...
Contents
What Are We? | 26 |
Aliens We | 49 |
Where Are We Going and How Do We | 82 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
Aldiss alien android argues Arrakis attempt Augustine become Blade Runner body Borg Brian Aldiss century Christian classic concerning context created creation creature culture cyberpunk define Descartes destiny divine Earth Emmanuel Levinas encounter Enlightenment environment episode essence ethical example experience explored fear film Frankenstein genetic genre of SF Gernsback human condition human existence human nature humanity's Ibid individual Invaders Invaders from Mars issues Kant Karl Barth Klaatu Levinas live Machine Mars Attacks Martians Masterpiece Society means Merleau-Ponty mind modern motif movie Neuromancer novel ourselves Pannenberg particular person perspective philosopher physical planet post-modern potential present question rational reason relationship religion religious Relph science fiction scientific seek seen sense SF writers significance simply SISKO Snow Crash social society space speaks species Star Trek theme theologian theology things thought tradition ultimately understanding utopia virtual reality virtual world William Gibson Wolfhart Pannenberg world-view