Product Overview
In thishighly originalbook, Russell Blackforddiscusses the intersection of science fiction and humanitys moral imagination. With the rise of science and technology in the 19th century, and our continuallyimproving understanding of the cosmos,writers and thinkerssoonbeganto 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 thedevelopmentsdescribed in modern science fiction - space societies,conscious machines, and upgraded human bodies, to name but a few -come a new set ofethicalchallenges 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.
