Science Fiction and the Moral Imagination: Visions, Minds, Ethics [Paperback]

In this highly original book, Russell Blackford discusses the intersection of science fiction and humanitys moral imagination. With the rise of science and technology in the 19th century, and our continually improving understanding of the cosmos, writers and thinkers soon began to imagine futures greatly different from the present. Science fiction was born out of the realization that future technoscientific advances could dramatically change the world. Along with the developments described in modern science fiction - space societies, conscious machines, and upgraded human bodies, to name but a few - come a new set of ethical challenges and new forms of ethics. Blackford identifies these issues and their reflection in science fiction. His fascinating book will appeal to anyone with an interest in philosophy or science fiction, or in how they interact.

This is a seasoned, balanced analysis of a major issue in our thinking about the future, seen through the lens of science fiction, a central art of our time. Everyone from humanists to technologists should study these ideas and examples. Blackfords book is wise and savvy, and a delight to read as well.

Greg Benford, author of Timescape.

Introduction: Science and the Rise of Science Fiction.- Science Fiction: A Short History of a Literary Genre.- Morality, Science Fiction, and Enabling Forr.- Future and Alien Moralities.- Technophiles, Technophobes, and Renegades.-  Aliens, Robots, Mutants, and Others.- Going Inward: Science Fiction and Human Enhancement.- Conclusion: Great Power and Great Responsibility.- Appendix: Chronological List of Works Discussed.- Index.