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 67
23 The notion of rational beings as ends rather than means further gives rise to
Kant ' s understanding of the society of persons as a kingdom of ends . By '
kingdom ' Kant intends ' a systematic union of different rational beings under
common ...
23 The notion of rational beings as ends rather than means further gives rise to
Kant ' s understanding of the society of persons as a kingdom of ends . By '
kingdom ' Kant intends ' a systematic union of different rational beings under
common ...
Page 88
Even the Protestant theologian Karl Barth , who famously declared the image of
God in humanity as ' totally annihilated ' , 5 wishes to maintain a notion of human
value and distinctiveness on the basis of humanity ' s unavoidable encounter ...
Even the Protestant theologian Karl Barth , who famously declared the image of
God in humanity as ' totally annihilated ' , 5 wishes to maintain a notion of human
value and distinctiveness on the basis of humanity ' s unavoidable encounter ...
Page 91
In his recent book describing the development of the notion of crimes against
humanity , Geoffrey Robertson points out that the notion of human rights lacked
any real power prior to the holocaust of the second world war . The notion that '
rights ...
In his recent book describing the development of the notion of crimes against
humanity , Geoffrey Robertson points out that the notion of human rights lacked
any real power prior to the holocaust of the second world war . The notion that '
rights ...
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Contents
What Are | 31 |
Aliens | 49 |
Where Are We Going and How Do We | 82 |
Copyright | |
2 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
actually alien answer appear argues attempt become begins belief body central century Christian clearly concerning condition 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 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 universe 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 |