'The incalculable potency of community': The Role of Science Fiction in Religion and Science
This article describes a role for science-fiction literature as a tool with which to explore the shared concerns of science and religion. Science fiction is not, however, simply a servant to theological or scientific truth claims. Science fiction demands a particular set of ontological rules, and it...
Main Author: | |
---|---|
Format: | Electronic Article |
Language: | German |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
Journals Online & Print: | |
Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
Published: |
Mohr Siebeck
[2019]
|
In: |
Philosophy, theology and the sciences
Year: 2019, Volume: 6, Issue: 2, Pages: 148-163 |
RelBib Classification: | AB Philosophy of religion; criticism of religion; atheism CF Christianity and Science FA Theology VA Philosophy |
Further subjects: | B
Religion and science
B Olaf Stapledon B Speculative empiricism B Science Fiction |
Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
Summary: | This article describes a role for science-fiction literature as a tool with which to explore the shared concerns of science and religion. Science fiction is not, however, simply a servant to theological or scientific truth claims. Science fiction demands a particular set of ontological rules, and it challenges both theology and science to carefully consider their own methods and claims. In describing a role for science fiction in science and religion studies, we will re-evaluate the terms 'fabulation' and 'myth,' as described by Henri Bergson and Paul Tillich. Through this I will suggest ways in which theology as an academic discipline can participate in what I will term 'speculative empiricism,' reinforcing the need for creativity. This speculative empiricism will require a hospitality towards 'fabulation' that understands it not as invention or 'making up,' but as part of reconciling knowledge and understanding. I will use readings of Olaf Stapledon's Star Maker and Last and First Men as models for this endeavour. |
---|---|
ISSN: | 2197-2834 |
Contains: | Enthalten in: Philosophy, theology and the sciences
|
Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1628/ptsc-2019-0016 |