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 14
... reality that is itself open to critique , particularly in the light of its ability to provide satisfying answers to ... reality of reality are raised by the Enlightenment . Is reality a fixed external ' something ' that we experience ...
... reality that is itself open to critique , particularly in the light of its ability to provide satisfying answers to ... reality of reality are raised by the Enlightenment . Is reality a fixed external ' something ' that we experience ...
Page 15
... reality ? If what is real is simply what my mind chooses to interpret and represent as such , then why should we not alter our perception of reality either chemically or electronically to suit our own tastes ? In the 1999 film The ...
... reality ? If what is real is simply what my mind chooses to interpret and represent as such , then why should we not alter our perception of reality either chemically or electronically to suit our own tastes ? In the 1999 film The ...
Page 143
... reality ' represent a return to the philo- sophical idealism of Plato , Kant and Hegel , where true reality is acknowledged as being for mind alone . It would appear that human beings do indeed require location , place and space : we ...
... reality ' represent a return to the philo- sophical idealism of Plato , Kant and Hegel , where true reality is acknowledged as being for mind alone . It would appear that human beings do indeed require location , place and space : we ...
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