Science Fiction and the Moral Imagination : Visions, Minds, Ethics

Description

In this highly original book, Russell Blackford discusses the intersection of science fiction and humanity’s moral imagination. With the rise of science and technology in the 19th century, and our continually improving understanding of the cosmos, writers and thinkers soon began to imagine futures greatly different from the present. Science fiction was born out of the realization that future technoscientific advances could dramatically change the world. Along with the developments described in modern science fiction - space societies, conscious machines, and upgraded human bodies, to name but a few - come a new set of ethical challenges and new forms of ethics. Blackford identifies these issues and their reflection in science fiction. His fascinating book will appeal to anyone with an interest in philosophy or science fiction, or in how they interact. “This is a seasoned, balanced analysis of a major issue in our thinking about the future, seen through the lens of science fiction, a central art of our time. Everyone from humanists to technologists should study these ideas and examples. Blackford’s book is wise and savvy, and a delight to read as well.” Greg Benford, author of Timescape. Front Matter ....Pages i-xi Introduction: Science and the Rise of Science Fiction (Russell Blackford)....Pages 1-19 Science Fiction: A Short History of a Literary Genre (Russell Blackford)....Pages 21-44 Morality, Science Fiction, and Enabling Form (Russell Blackford)....Pages 45-73 Future and Alien Moralities (Russell Blackford)....Pages 75-104 Technophiles, Technophobes, and Renegades (Russell Blackford)....Pages 105-127 Aliens, Robots, Mutants, and Others (Russell Blackford)....Pages 129-155 Going Inward: Science Fiction and Human Enhancement (Russell Blackford)....Pages 157-176 Conclusion: Great Power and Great Responsibility (Russell Blackford)....Pages 177-193 Back Matter ....Pages 195-204