Philosophy Through Science Fiction: A Coursebook with Readings [Paperback]

Philosophy Through Science Fictionoffers a fun, challenging, and accessible way in to the issues of philosophy through the genre of science fiction. Tackling problems such as the possibility of time travel, or what makes someone the same person over time, the authors take a four-pronged approach to each issue, providing

?         a clear and concise introduction to each subject

?         a science fiction story that exemplifies a feature of the philosophical discussion

?         historical and contemporary philosophical texts that investigate the issue with rigor, and

?         glossary, plot profiles of pertinent science fiction stories and films, and questions for further reflection.

Philosophy Through Science Fictionincludes stories from contemporary science fiction writers including Greg Egan and Mike Resnick, as well as from classic authors like Philip K. Dick and Robert Heinlein. Philosophy readings include historical pieces by Ren? Descartes and David Hume, and contemporary pieces by John Searle and Mary Midgley.

 

Acknowledgements  Preface  List of Boxes  Chapter 0: What is Philosophy?  Chapter 1: Philosophical Method and Philosophical Disagreement  Chapter 2: Knowledge and Skepticism  Chapter 3: Religion and Belief in God  Chapter 4: Spacetime and Time Travel  Chapter 5: Mind  Chapter 6: Personal Identity  Chapter 7: Free Will  Glossary  Index

Ryan Nichols is Assistant Professor at Caliló´