Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy

By: The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor David K. Johnson PhD University of Oklahoma

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

Nerd, Defined.

Our professor professes to be a Science Fiction nerd; and he is. What you must know before you purchase: What is a Science Fiction Nerd? Science Fiction Nerds don't read any Science Fiction. I did not know this. In Nerd World, SF exists only on film ( this includes TV, obviously ). Nerd SF does not include any science fiction novels, short stories, novellas, etc, UNLESS the book has been adapted for film - and then, only the film adaptation is considered. Yes. The SF nerd is a very limited creature. They wanna watch. This will include zero SF novels. But boy oh boy, if your SF is "Star Wars" (meh), "Star Trek" (goofy), "Star Trek; Next Gen" (YAWN - they carpeted the Enterprise for this spin-off, perfect for lulling you to sleep). "Dr. Who" ( Not even shot with 35mm film. They used video tape. That's why "Dr. Who" looks just like General Hospital.

such a geeky arm chair philosopher's jam. loved it

This is such a geeky arm chair philosopher's jam. I loved it, it informs on multiple levels and is interesting.

Wonderful

I wish this was twice as long. Everything was well thought out and made me think of things I had never thought of before.

great fun and great philosophy.

David Kyle Johnson strikes a perfect balance between fun and philosophy. A great way to introduce you to some wonderful science fiction, and an excellent way to help you decide where you stand on many philosophical issues.

Super good

Clean, quality production. Concise and logical takes on intriguing philosophical questions. With Klingons.

I only wish that this kind of analysis was available for all my favorite sci-fi stories.

Most Entertaining Great Courses author.

Please give David K. Johnson more lectures. Check out his other book exploring metaphysics. Great narration and content.

Great course, way too short. Really well researched and presented intelligently.

I loved this course. The prof says at the end that he wished he had more time and I would be happy if they released a second course on the subject.

Fulfilling, accessible, and challenging

While Dr. Johnson opens his series with an admission worthy of a 5-second cringe, he takes the listener through a fair and enthralling catalogue of philosophical ideas across history by using various accessible sci-fi episodes and narratives that the listener can watch ( and sometimes read) as ‘homework’. He engages the role of the viewer/listener to assume the role of an armchair philosopher to approach each following lecture topic. He has made an important contribution towards bridging the everyday sci-fi reader (and mere fiction reader) with the questions and answers that makes this genre worth the modern world’s attention.

Best philosophy course ever

This course references dozens of science fiction films and discusses their reflective lessons. Then the professor uses traditional philosophers to explain them.
Perfect for anyone that wants to overly cite Star Wars or Star Trek in lieu of the traditional philosophers.

Just wish it was longer

So many things to discuss in sci-fi from a philosophical standpoint. I like that the author not only resorts to the cult classics but also to shows and movies as recent as 2017