The Science Fiction Mythmakers - Religion, Science and Philosophy in Wells, Clarke, Dick and Herbert

A literary genre that pervades 21st-century popular culture, science fiction creates mythologies that make statements about humanity's place in the universe and embody an intersection of science, religion and philosophy.
This book considers the significance of this confluence through an examination of myths in the writings of H. G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, Philip K. Dick and Frank Herbert. Presenting fresh insights into their works, the author brings to light the tendency of science fiction narratives to reaffirm spiritual myths.

List of contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments deleteix

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1. Evolution, Morality and Religion in H. G. Wells

Chapter 2. Materialism and Mystery: Mixed Myths

in Arthur C. Clarke

Chapter 3. Science Fiction as Truth: Sociology, Philosophy and Theology in Philip K. Dick

Chapter 4. Resisting Tradition: The Messiah Myth and Authentic Dasein in Frank Herbert's Dune Series

Conclusion

Chapter Notes

Works Cited

Index

About the author

Jennifer Simkins is an English teacher in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia.Donald E. Palumbo is a professor of English at East Carolina University. He lives in Greenville, North Carolina.C.W. Sullivan III is Distinguished Professor of arts and sciences at East Carolina University and a full member of the Welsh Academy. He is the author of numerous books and the on-line journal Celtic Cultural Studies.

Product details

• Authors: Jennifer Simkins, Simkins Jennifer
• Assisted by: Donald E. Palumbo (Editor), Palumbo Donald E. (Editor), III C. W. Sullivan (Editor)
• Publisher: Ingram Publishers Services
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: from age 18
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 13.09.2016
• EAN: 9781476668093
• ISBN: 978-1-4766-6809-3
• No. of pages: 200
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 10 mm
• Weight: 277 g
• Illustrations: Raster,schwarz-weiss
• Series: Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies; RELIGION / General, English, LITERARY CRITICISM / Poetry, 20th Century, SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects, Philosophy of Science, c 1800 to c 1900, 19th century, c 1800 to c 1899, Philip K. Dick, 20th century, c 1900 to c 1999, Religion & beliefs, Literary studies: poetry & poets, Literary studies: general, Religion and beliefs, Literary studies: poetry and poets