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Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy
- Narrated by: Professor David K. Johnson PhD University of Oklahoma
- Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins
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Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy
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Summary
The science fiction genre has become increasingly influential in mainstream popular culture, evolving into one of the most engaging storytelling tools we use to think about technology and consider the shape of the future. Along the way, it has also become one of the major lenses we use to explore important philosophical questions.
The origins of science fiction are most often thought to trace to Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, a story born from a night of spooky tale-telling by the fireside that explores scientific, moral, and ethical questions that were of great concern in the 19th century - and that continue to resonate today. And, although novels and short stories built the foundations of science fiction, film and television have emerged as equally powerful, experimental, and enjoyable ways to experience the genre. Even as far back as the silent era, films like Fritz Lang's Metropolis have used science fiction to tell stories that explore many facets of human experience.
In Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy, Professor of Philosophy David Kyle Johnson, of King's College, takes you on a 24-lecture exploration of the final frontiers of philosophy across several decades of science fiction in film and television. From big-budget blockbusters to television series featuring aliens in rubber masks, Professor Johnson finds food for philosophical thought in a wide range of stories. By looking at serious questions through astonishing tales and astounding technologies, you will see how science fiction allows us to consider immense, vital - and sometimes controversial - ideas with a rare combination of engagement and critical distance.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- A happy customer
- 21-10-19
Thought provoking stuff
Although I don’t agree with a few areas i think the course is entertaining and covers a broad range of both sci and phi! I would recommend even if it’s only to challenge both your own and the author’s views. I’ve seen almost all of the films discussed and this some insights I hadn’t considered when watching before. The author acknowledges a lot of material that isn’t covered and it would be good to have a follow up or see him discuss/debate some of these.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Muzak
- 15-09-21
Geekfest of Sci-fi and Philosophy
If you love sci-fi and have even a passing interest in philosophy, then this in one not to be missed. Using classic sci-fi movies as a launchpad for philosophical ideas it boldly goes… you get the picture! Listen and enjoy.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- T. J. Stephenson
- 14-06-18
Definitely worth listening to
I really enjoyed this course. Anyone interested in philosophy and science fiction should listen to this. I would point out To the author that the many worlds theory of quantum mechanics doesn’t involve universes being “created” at the branch points, any more than a universe could be “created’ by an observation. Also unfair to Matt Ridley and Luke warmers who recognise that only economic wealth can ultimately solve our climate change problems.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Suetpud
- 05-05-24
I am not alone!
It was wonderful to hear someone as enthusiastic about sci fi as myself, discussing my favourite films. Learning more about the philosophical messages behind those films was a massive bonus. 2001 was the cherry on the cake as I was a child when I saw it and did not fully appreciate its complexity. Most of my friends don't 'get' or like sci fi so for me the course felt like home!
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- Anonymous User
- 25-07-20
Loved it. I will be revisiting it again I'm sure
I have always loved sci fi particularly because good sci fi pushes philosophical boundaries and ideas. This book is brilliant. For me, it expanded on ideas I have previously considered and provided me with many more that I hadn't. Great narration to boot. Fully recommend to anyone who likes philosophy, sci fi or movies. Don't feel you have to be a sci fi geek to like this book.
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- Amazon Customer
- 02-12-21
Fabulous course
Full of memorable moments that made me think again about many of my cherished sci fi experiences.
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- Steve Scott
- 02-01-20
A new dimension
A great introduction to philosophy using Scifi as a backdrop, sometimes there's a little bit of over thinking but apparently that's just my epistemological perspective 🌝. I recommend it to Scifi buffs looking for a different perspective on some the classics. One of the takeaways for me was an understanding of the value of philosophy, I had thought it was just old men talking too much, memorable moment, the discussion on simulated worlds.
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- Leona Merclova
- 04-10-23
Fantastic!.
The best course so far! Wasn't too sure at the beginning as I expected it to deal with what I think are the most philosophical sci-fi books: Dune, The Hitchhiker's trilogy and Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles. But I realised why the prof focuses on films only.. It's more practical. I haven't seen most of the films mentioned but still enjoyed it immensely, and the last third is just fabulous. Going to seek his other stuff!.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Adisha
- 13-10-18
Superb whistle-stop tour of Sci-Fi & Philosophy
Thoroughly enjoyed this vast in scope survey which highlights the value of science fiction and importance of philosophy.
Clevery structured and peppered with fascinating insights and humerous, thought-provoking anecdotes throughout. A must-listen for fans of Dr. Who and Star Trek!
As Dr Spock famously said:
"Logic is the beginning of Wisdom... not the end!"
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- AHeath
- 17-08-21
Good fun and makes you think
If you've ever been watching Star Trek or reading Robert Heinlein and thought to yourself that sci-fi is philosophy for the modern era, this course is for you. Professor Johnson very professionally and expertly takes us through a range of philosophical concepts and uses well-know sci-fi films or TV series to illustrate and describe them. I particularly liked the lectures about 'how do we know we're not living in a simulation', the one about the movie 'Contact', and the one which made you ask whether the Empire or the Rebels in Star Wars are really the bad guys.There were places I got a bit lost and where I felt the philosophy could have been made a little more accessible, and a couple of places where I found it a little less convincing - including the bits where the boundaries between philosophy and science became a little blurred. And while I was familiar with most of the films and TV referenced, you may find it more challenging to engage with the philosophy content if you don't know sci-fi movies well and aren't prepared to watch a lot of them (as instructed by Professor Johnson)! One final gripe is that there were also rather too many references to Dr. Who for my liking! But overall this is great value and really thought provoking.
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