'The incalculable potency of community'

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Philosophy, theology and the sciences
Main Author: Imfeld, Zoë Lehmann (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:German
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Published: Mohr Siebeck [2019]
In: Philosophy, theology and the sciences
Year: 2019, Volume: 6, Issue: 2, Pages: 148-163
RelBib Classification:CF Christianity and Science
FA Theology
VA Philosophy
Further subjects:B Religion and science
B Speculative empiri-cism
B Olaf Stapledon
B Science Fiction
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
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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