PHIL 324 - Philosophy and Science Fiction

Description:
Covers issues in analytic philosophy via examination of science fiction works. Topics may include skepticism, free will, personal identity, artificial intelligence, machine ethics, transhumanism, genetic engineering and time travel.

Credits: (5)

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Examine and critically analyze issues in contemporary philosophy that are raised in science fiction works (books, short stories, films, television).
Recognize and describe the treatment of these philosophical issues as they appear in science-fiction works.
Critically assess a philosophical position for its implications and its plausibility.
Formulate and defend a position of one’s own on these issues, with reference to the relevant positions described in the philosophical literature and the ideas displayed in science fiction works.
Display knowledge of the core concepts and methods of philosophy, and the ability to deploy those concepts and methods in reasoning.

Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
3/17/2011

Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations: