Science Fiction and Political Philosophy: From Bacon to Black Mirror

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Description

Sometimes called the literature of ideas, science fiction is a natural medium for normative political philosophy. Science fictions focus on technology, space and time travel, non-human lifeforms, and parallel universes cannot help but invoke the perennial questions of political life, including the nature of a just social order and who should rule; freedom, free will, and autonomy; and the advantages and disadvantages of progress. Rather than offering a reading of a work inspired by a particular thinker or tradition, each chapter presents a careful reading of a classic or contemporary work in the genre (a novel, short story, film, or television series) to illustrate and explore the themes and concepts of political philosophy.

Reviews

Given that nothing is poised to help us explore the pressing political and philosophical issues of our day like science fiction, Science Fiction and Political Philosophy is a much-needed book. It covers nearly everything you want it to coverdating back to the origins of science fiction (like Bacons New Atlantis and Shellys Frankenstein) to modern fan favorites of film and television (like Star Trek TNG and Black Mirror)and treats science fiction with the philosophical respect it deserves. I hope and believe it will inspire similar works. -- David Kyle Johnson, Kings College, author of Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy

Science Fiction and Political Philosophy is highly recommended reading for those interesting in science fiction, philosophy, and just over all assessing the questions and problems we as a human race, could or will face at some point, as these are serious matters to which we as a species must consider.

Author Bio

Steven Michels is associate provost and professor of political science at Sacred Heart University.

Timothy McCranor is doctoral student in the Political Science Department at Boston College.