Philosophy Through Science Fiction: A Coursebook with Readings / Edition 1

by Ryan Nichols, Nicholas D. Smith, Fred Miller

Overview

Philosophy Through Science Fiction offers 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 Fiction includes 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 René Descartes and David Hume, and contemporary pieces by John Searle and Mary Midgley.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415957557
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/19/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	448
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Ryan Nichols is Assistant Professor at California State University, Fullerton.

Nicholas D. Smith is Professor of Philosophy at Lewis and Clark College.

Fred Miller is Professor of Philosophy and the Executive Director of the Social Philosophy and Policy Center at Bowling Green State University, Ohio.

Table of Contents

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