Asimov's Foundation and Philosophy

The Foundation is a science fiction epic by Isaac Asimov that spans centuries and predicts the collapse of a vast interstellar empire. It has influenced subsequent science fiction and sciences like sociology, statistics, and psychology. This book is a collection of twenty-four chapters by philosophers exploring the philosophical issues and puzzles raised by the story.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: Carus Books

The Foundation, a series of books and short stories written by Isaac Asimov from the 1940s to the 1980s, has had a profound and lasting impact on the world of science fiction and beyond. This epic tale, set in a distant future, follows the journey of a group of scientists as they attempt to save humanity from a catastrophic collapse.

Published as a series of books and short stories, The Foundation has influenced countless subsequent science fiction works and has even had an impact on fields such as sociology, statistics, and psychology. The story, which spans centuries and takes place in a vast and prosperous interstellar empire, centers around the concept of psycho-history, a powerful mathematical technique used by a brilliant scientist named Hari Seldon to predict the collapse and establish a "foundation" to ensure the survival of human civilization.

The Foundation and Philosophy is a collection of twenty-four essays written by philosophers who explore the philosophical issues raised by this epic story. The topics covered include the power of individuals to make a difference in history, the ethics of manipulating large populations, the concept of non-action, the impact of education on future generations, the cyclical nature of human affairs, the futility of empire-building, the ethics of cloning, and the use of logic in analyzing human behavior.

The contributors to this collection include Joshua Heter, a philosophy professor at Jefferson College in Missouri, who teaches courses on philosophy and popular culture. Heter is also the co-editor of two books: Better Call Saul and Philosophy: I Think Therefore I Scam (2022), which explores the philosophical themes of the TV series Better Call Saul, and Westworld and Philosophy: Mind Equals Blown (2019), which examines the philosophical implications of the TV series Westworld.

Josef Thomas Simpson is an academic coach and part-time lecturer who has also contributed chapters to other popular TV shows and books, including Orphan Black and Philosophy: Mind Equals Blown (2019). Simpson's work focuses on the intersection of philosophy and popular culture, and he has a particular interest in the philosophical themes of science fiction and fantasy.

In conclusion, The Foundation is a masterpiece of science fiction that has left an indelible mark on the world of literature and beyond. This epic tale, which explores the power of science, the nature of human civilization, and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals and societies. The Foundation and Philosophy is a valuable collection of essays that provides a deeper understanding of the philosophical themes and issues raised by this extraordinary story. Whether you are a fan of science fiction or philosophy, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the depths of human thought and the possibilities of the future.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781637700303