Literary visions of intelligent life in space and its metaphysical, epistemological and axiological consequences Cover Image

Literackie wizje życia rozumnego w kosmosie i ich konsekwencje metafizyczne, epistemologiczne i aksjologiczne
Literary visions of intelligent life in space and its metaphysical, epistemological and axiological consequences

Author(s): Jacek Sobota
Subject(s): Philosophy, Epistemology, Ethics / Practical Philosophy
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w Warszawie
Keywords: science fiction; literature; extraterrestrial life; value conflict; cognitive drama; ‘substitution in metaphysics’

Summary/Abstract: Science Fiction literature described for decades an intelligent form of life on other planets. This scenario raises obvious questions, such as whether we can understand a mind developed in an entirely different environment than our own and equipped with different perceptual capacities. Stanisław Lem’s “Solaris” is perhaps the best realisation of this scenario – a novel where mankind tries to communicate with a giant ocean of plasma, a living organism radically different from human life. “Roadside Picnic” by the Stugatsky brothers raises another problem exemplified in the title itself, which is a metaphor for potential cultural differences between alien civilisation and homo sapiens. Yet another intriguing question concerns the metaphysical and theological consequences deriving from exchanges with non-human civilisations. There seems to be a problem of ‘substitution in metaphysics’ in Science Fiction literature (i.e., replace a wonder with technology, or God with technologically almighty aliens).

  • Issue Year: 52/2016
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 175-193
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Polish