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Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy cover art

Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy

Written by: The Great Courses
Narrated by: Professor David K. Johnson PhD University of Oklahoma
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Publisher's 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.  

©2018 The Great Courses (P)2018 The Teaching Company, LLC

What listeners say about Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy

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To Be and Beyond, what is Science

I loved this. I loved this so so much. I love using science fiction stories to explain historical philosophical theories. I feel like they can explain them better than what options were historically used at contemporary times because what we know is not always the same that they expected. It was awesome, I want a lot more of these.

#Audible1

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Loved this Course!

I have been on audible for a couple years now and have listened to close to 50 audiobooks (most of them very good) but this is the first time that I have felt compelled to leave a review. This course was incredibly fascinating and I loved all the references to favorite shows and episodes. I recommend it highly, though I admit that I do so for completely selfish reasons. If it becomes popular enough maybe Great Courses will decide to do a sequel!

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A great course

Thank you Professor Johnson. You have definitely blown my mind with the topics covered in your course. I need to go back and take my time to listen to this course again. There is so much information to process and to be honest I found the course to be so stimulating at times that I wanted to quit my job and devote my life to the pursuit of truth. I look forward to listening to your audiobook again and again and hope that the Great Courses will have you back. I promise that I won't be hasty and quit my job, but, I think I've found a new side hustle. Thank you very much for your efforts. Cheers!

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Excellent Sci Fi Nerd Course loved it!

This philosophy course was very good and each lecture was tied to the philosophy of a film or two. Helps when you have seen almost sll yhe movies in 38 lectures haha? he mentions a 1979 russian film at the end called Stalker gotta order that maybe!

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Fantastic

This is a great lecture series that truly delves into the philosophical meaning and interpretation of various works. If you are a Sci-Fi nerd or even someone just interested in philosophy I highly recommend.

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very contemporary!

liked this, talks about scifi cartoons as contempory classics. prof is funny and relatable.

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love it!

Interesting point of view; worth listening! Just try to be fair; Big Bang theory is more associated with Christianity via Georges Lemaître (a Jesuit-educated Belgian Catholic priest, mathematician, astronomer, and professor of physics at the Catholic University of Louvain), than, as Professor David K. Johnson states, Stephen Hawking. Continuing his subtle leftist propaganda, the author thinks that America First is fascistic! As opposed to what: the Marxist "International with be the new world?" Lived that philosophy that turned my beautiful country into, to quate someone, a sh%&hole country!

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Best mashup ever! This course is a gem.

Whether you're a sci-fi nerd, armchair philosopher, (or like me, both!), this course is gold. Not only Prof Johnson engaging, knowledgeable and funny, but the accompanying PDF guidebook gives a well-laid-out summary of each module.

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David K Johnson is my favourite GC presenter

I really enjoy Johnson’s geeky humour and presentation style. He never really raises or drops his voice — i.e. his delivery is usually very equal and thus requires no fiddling with volume — and while that may seem to be a minor issue I find it very refreshing.
He’s quite erudite and obviously well versed in more than just academic subjects.
This lecture does replicate some information in his other two courses but he’s so entertaining that it still seems fresh.
Please, Great Courses, encourage this man to make more offerings! I will buy them ALL!

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Why? Why not?

Philosophy is more interesting than one may consider. Throw in scifi as examples any it is amazing.

Using scifi as a back drop to try to answer some of life's great questions it brilliant. Oh course I suppose one must be a scifi fan to truly see the point of the comparison.

I don't thing you have to be a scifi fan to truly appreciate these lectures however.

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