2020-2021 Catalog and Student Handbook

PHIL 211 Philosophy in Science Fiction

The genre of science fiction arose in the mid-20th century as thoughtful people questioned the meaning of science and technology, and the massive historical and cultural forces these had suddenly set in motion. This class will examine science fiction as a means to explore the unprecedented rise of science and technology that continues still today. We shall examine what science fiction was and what it has become, and how this reflects historical and cultural constants and changes. One thing that seems constant is the problem that the rise in science is not accompanied by similar improvements in human ethics and psychology and this continues to provide fodder for the genre even today.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Complete WRIT 102 or one Philosophy course

Distribution

Literary Analysis, Civilization & Culture