Course Description: An examination of some central issues in philosophy, using the occurrence of those issues in science fiction as a starting point. Topics to be covered will likely include the following: Can machines think? Through what changes can our self-identity persist? What kinds of beings count as persons? Should we interfere in other cultures? Is time-travel possible? Could the world be a huge illusion?
This course focuses primarily on the traditional philosophical issues raised in science fiction rather than on the science fiction itself as literary or cinematic. But the settings for framing these problems comes from science fiction readings, movies, and television.
The course is now completed. If you’re interested, you can get a copy of the syllabus here.
If you have questions about the site or the course, please e-mail me at ron at albany dot edu.