Books by Olaf Stapledon
“This is actually a perfect example of the relationship between science and science fiction. It’s mostly known now as the origin of the idea of Dyson spheres, but is also this fantastically sweeping imagining of all the different ways that intelligent life might evolve on planets, that civilisations might seek advancement. It’s a beautiful, strange book that I really fell in love with. It was probably the most wonderful surprise of my research.” Read more...
The Best Science Fiction Books About Aliens
Jaime Green, Science Writer
“Sirius is told from the point of view of a dog, Sirius, who has been cognitively enhanced to have human-like intelligence. Sirius spends time creating elaborate music and even a musical notation that no dog could possibly appreciate because it’s far too complex and intellectual for a normal dog. And no human could possibly appreciate it either; howling is part of the aesthetic. He’s trying to find meaning through artistic expression, but he’s got no audience other than himself.” Read more...
Science Fiction and Philosophy
Eric Schwitzgebel, Philosopher
Interviews where books by Olaf Stapledon were recommended
Science Fiction and Philosophy, recommended by Eric Schwitzgebel
Serious philosophy need not take the form of a journal article or monograph, argues the philosopher and U.C. Riverside professor Eric Schwitzgebel, as he selects five science fiction books that succeed both as novels and provocative thought experiments that push us to consider deep philosophical questions from every angle.
The Best Science Fiction Books About Aliens, recommended by Jaime Green
Science fiction helps us work through not only the possibilities of the cosmos but also the nature of humanity itself, argues Jaime Green—science writer and author of a new book on the search for alien biology, The Possibility of Life. Here she highlights five classic works of sci-fi that explore ideas of consciousness and communication in the setting of outer space.
