Imaginary Worlds: Invitation to an Argument

Description

In this work, the author contends that we should create a comparative framework for the study of imaginary worlds in the social sciences. Making use of extended examples from both science fiction and fantasy fiction, as well as the living movement of steampunk, the reader is invited to an argument about how best to define imaginary worlds and approach them as social locations for qualitative research. It is suggested in this volume that increasing economic and existential forms of alienation fuel the contemporary surge of participation in imaginary worlds (from gaming worlds to young adult novels) and impel a search for more humane forms of social and cultural organization. Suggestions are made about the usefulness of imaginary worlds to social scientists as places for both testing out theoretical formulations and as tools for teaching in our classrooms. Acknowledgments Contents Chapter 1: Imaginary Worlds in a Comparative Framework Why Should We Care? What Is an Imaginary World? Deep Worlds Versus Shallow Worlds Imaginary Worlds Versus the Standard World Additional Reasons to Study Imaginary Worlds in a Comparative Framework Anthropology and Literature An Invitation to an Argument The Rest of the Book Chapter 2: Steampunk as Stealth Politics Introduction Mobility as Politics Goggles and Gargoyles The Good, the Bad, and the Pragmatic Conclusion Chapter 3: The Perils of Belief: Fantasy Fiction as Narrative Theology Introduction Fantasy Fiction as Narrative Theology Plot Summary The Unbeliever: Thomas Covenant Absolute Belief: Warmark Hile Troy and High Lord Elena The Hazards of Belief: Bannor the Bloodguard and Saltheart Foamfollower Moderated Belief and a Questioning Faith: Lord Mhoram Laughter and Despair: Two Sides of the Human Coin Chapter 4: Androids as Slaves: Lessons from the Science Fiction of Philip K. Dick Introduction Synopsis Of Androids and Humans Revolt Rationalizing Slavery Through Processes of Objectification The Empathy Box The Penfield Androids as Objects: The Price of Revolt Chapter 5: Imaginary Worlds and Contemporary Alienation Comparing Worlds Alienation and Imaginary Worlds Economic (Material) Forms of Alienation Existential Alienation Alienated Humanity: In Search of New Worlds Appendix A: Marxist Approaches to Speculative Fiction References Cited Index