| How to Live Forever: Science Fiction and Philosophy Contributor(s): Clark, Stephen R. L. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0415126266 ISBN-13: 9780415126267 Publisher: Routledge OUR PRICE: $171.00 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: October 1995 Annotation: Immortality has long preoccupied everyone from alchemists to science fiction writers. In this intriguing investigation, Stephen Clark contends that the genre of science fiction writing enables the investigation of philosophical questions about immortality without the constraints of academic philosophy. He shows how fantasy accounts of phenomena such as resurrection, outer body experience, reincarnation or life extending medicines can be related to philosophy in interesting ways. Reading Western myths such as that of vampire, he examines the ways fear and hopes of immortality are an intrinsic part of Western culture and philosophy. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Literary Criticism | Science Fiction & Fantasy - Philosophy |
| Dewey: 809.387 |
| LCCN: 95014403 |
| Physical Information: 0.89" H x 5.78" W x 8.86" (0.95 lbs) 232 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Immortality is a subject which has long been explored and imagined by science fiction writers. In his intriguing new study, Stephen R.L.Clark argues that the genre of science fiction writing allows investigation of philosophical questions about immortality without the constraints of academic philosophy. He reveals how fantasy accounts of issues such as resurrection, disembodied survival, reincarnation and devices or drugs for preserving life can be used as an important resource for philosophical inquiry and examines how a society of immortals might function through a reading of the vampire myth. How to Live Forever is a compelling study which introduces students and professional philosophers to the possibilities of using science fiction in their work. It includes extensive suggestions for further reading, both fictional and philosophical, and examines the work of such major science fiction authors as Arthur C. Clarke, Frank Herbert, Larry Niven, William Gibson, and Colin Wilson. |