This book seems to be set up to introduce fans of Star Trek to the ideas of various philosophers. Since I usually find philosophy dull and meaningless, especially when you get down to individual philosophers, I didn't find much in this book attractive. There was one interesting essay on Deep Space Nine and problems of people getting along with irreconcilable differences. Unfortunately the philosopher highlighted in the essay, Jean-Francois Lyotard, doesn't really seem to propose any solution to this very real and pressing problem, so I wasn't any more informed on the subject than I was before reading the essay. But if you think simply liberal tolerance will do the trick, this essay might prove enlightening. ( )

You can recognize a good philosophy book, you know them. They have an 8-point font and every other paragraph runs on for at least 2 pages. Until now.

THe Popular Culture and Philosophy series changes that. With Star Trek and Philosophy, several philosophers use the Star Trek universe to explore different topics in philosophy. They make great use of different facets of the numerous series and movies to discuss philosophical points.

For instance, Professor Harald Thorsrud discusses stoicism comparing it to Vulcan philosophies. He makes good use of the series, with a few dialog excerpts to drive points. Other topics include ethics of bioengineering, aspects of religion, the nature of time, and Lyotard's theory of the Differend, among many other topics.

The book offers good breadth with narrow depth, but provides enough depth in its choice of topics to give you a good taste of the subject. The book is light, yet full of information that is easy to digest. Any fan of Star Trek with at least a passing interest in philosophy should consider it for reading.

Care to discuss this book?
http://books.randolphking.com/?p=734 ( )