Immortality is a subject which has long been explored by science fiction writers. Stephen R.L. Clark examines the ways in which science fiction writers have imagined it, and what these suggest about our present lives and natures. He shows how fantasy accounts of issues such as resurrection, disembodied survival, reincarnation and devices or drugs for preserving life can be used as a resource for philosophical inquiry.
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.
Arguing that science fiction allows the investigation of philosophical questions about immortality without the constraints of academic philosophy, Clark (philosophy, U. of Liverpool) explores fantasy accounts of resurrection, disembodied survival, reincarnation, devices and drugs for preserving life, and other topics and shows how they can be applied to some of the enduring issues of the field. He urges students and professionals in philosophy to mine the ore provided. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
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.
