Philosophy through Science Fiction Stories: Exploring the Boundaries of the Possible

Description

Bringing together short stories by award-winning contemporary science fiction authors and philosophers, this book covers a wide range of philosophical ideas from ethics, philosophy of religion, political philosophy, and metaphysics. Alongside the introductory pieces by the editors that help readers to understand how philosophy can be done through science fiction, you will find end-of-story notes written by the authors that contextualize their stories within broader philosophical themes. Organised thematically, these stories address fundamental philosophical questions such as: *What does it mean to be human? *Is neural enhancement a good thing? *What makes a life worthwhile? *What political systems are best? By making complex ideas easily accessible, this unique book allows you to engage with philosophical ideas in entertaining new ways, and is an ideal entry point for anyone interested in using fiction to better understand philosophy.

Helen De Cruz is Danforth Chair in the Humanities at Saint Louis University, USA. Johan De Smedt is Postdoctoral Fellow at Saint Louis University, USA. Eric Schwitzgebel is Professor of Philosophy at University of California, Riverside, USA.

The volume brings together an eclectic roster of philosophizing storytellers who have won multiple Hugo and Nebula awards (Ken Liu, Aliette de Bodard, Ted Chiang) and storytelling philosophers, including the winner of the American Philosophical Association's 'Philosophy Through Fiction' competition. Each short story is followed by an expository 'story note,' in which the author expands on the underlying philosophical concepts. * The New Republic * At their best, [these stories] revivify well-worn philosophical problems and graphically pose new ones. * The Telegraph * There is little better than the strange and startling to better understand what is human and ordinary. This remarkably well-curated volume is a spellbinding demonstration of fiction's power to shed light on the deepest puzzles of human experience. The reader's experience is enriched by incisive Story Notes that explore the stories' philosophical themes and invite further reflection. This collection is a treasure trove for fans of science fiction, lovers of philosophy, and instructors looking to enliven their classes with stories that will resonate with their pupils long after the semester is over. * Eli Shupe, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, University of Texas at Arlington, USA * As exciting as it is useful, this delightful collection showcases both the power of doing philosophy with science fiction and the promise of science fiction done by philosophers. Excelsior! * Pete Mandik, Professor of Philosophy, William Paterson University, USA * Many 'Philosophy Through X'-style titles grace the bookstore shelf, and fine SF anthologies, too. This one stands out. Here is a smartly edited set of distinctively thoughtful stories that hang together like they were written to have this conversation. Each author contributes, as well, in-depth reflections, further thickening the philosophical mix. * John Holbo, Associate Professor of Philosophy, National University of Singapore, Singapore *