This reading group uses science fiction (and its associated genres, such as fantasy, speculative fiction, and dystopia) as a lens to explore themes in the history and philosophy of science. We investigate a wide range of topics, from aliens and AI to time travel and transhumanism. Our goal is to both deepen our understanding of topical SF themes and to explore, methodologically, how SF can interact with HPS. How can SF illustrate and enlighten our philosophical concepts? How can we use SF as a resource for our histories?
Our weekly readings usually consist of one short story, with optional secondary sources – such as scientific articles, historical discussions, and philosophical analyses – provided for interested readers. We meet fortnightly on Tuesdays, usually from 3pm–4pm. All are welcome!
Organised by Mallory Hrehor (mh2217) and Nikki Levesley (nml46).
Background readings on SF & HPS
Literature & History:
Bono, J.J. (2010). 'Making Knowledge: History, Literature, and the Poetics of Science'. Isis 101(3), 555–559.
SF & History:
Rees, A., & Morus, I.R. (2019). 'Presenting Futures Past: Science Fiction and the History of Science'. Osiris 34(1), 1–15.
Krementsov, N. (2014). Revolutionary Experiments: The Quest for Immortality in Bolshevik Science and Fiction. Oxford University Press.
SF & Philosophy:
Mac Laughlin, A. (2018). 'Editor's Notes: The What and Why of This Journal'. Journal of Science Fiction & Philosophy 1(1), 1–9.
Lent Term 2025: New Worlds & Alien Symbiosis
4 February, 1pm, Seminar Room 2
'Bloodchild' (1984), Octavia Butler
Optional reading: Ferreira, M.A. (2010). 'Symbiotic Bodies and Evolutionary Tropes in the Work of Octavia Butler'. Science Fiction Studies, 37(3), 401–415.
18 February, 3pm, Board Room
'Questions Asked in the Belly of the World' (2021), A.T. Greenblatt
Optional reading: Suárez, J. (2018). 'The Importance of Symbiosis in Philosophy of Biology: An Analysis of the Current Debate on Biological Individuality and its Historical Roots'. Symbiosis, 76(2), 77–96.
4 March, 3pm, Board Room
'Strange Dogs' (2017), James S.A. Corey
Optional readings: Grewell, G. (2001). 'Colonizing the Universe: Science Fictions Then, Now, and in the (Imagined) Future'. Rocky Mountain Review of Language and Literature, 55(2), 25–47.
14 March, 1pm, Board Room
Special Session with Atmospheric Humanities Reading Group
The Purple Cloud (1901), M.P. Shiel