PHIL 188 CM - Philosophy Through Science Fiction

Philosophers have long turned to science fiction to help bring into focus the abstract ideas with which we deal. This class uses the works of Asimov, Bradbury, Dick, Heinlein, Le Guin, and Zelazny (among others) to explore some of the most fundamental philosophical problems facing humankind. Questions to be considered will be drawn from among the following: What is the moral status of machines? Can we have free will? How can we know we’re not dreaming? Is time travel conceptually coherent? What are the philosophical implications of our increasing reliance on technology?

Offered: Occasionally

Credit: 1

Course Number: PHIL188 CM