Call for Book Chapters: Jesuits in Science Fiction: The Clash of Reason and Revelation on Other Worlds
Edited by Richard Feist (Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada)
To be published by Vernon Press
Science fiction authors have long drawn deep upon philosophy, theology, history, science and various other disciplines. In the early 20thย century a distinct sub-genre of science fiction emerged and continues today; it deals with Jesuits (and the like) exploring and experiencing the clash of reason and revelation within in alien cultures and future societies.ย Classic writers such as Isaac Asimov, James Blish, Arthur C. Clarke and Walter Miller Jr. come to mind followed by contemporary writers such as Mary Dorion Russell and Dan Simmonsโto name but a few.
Philosophers have long engaged in thought experiments to tease out underpinnings and implications of concepts.ย Science fiction writers do the same.ย Characters as Jesuits or modelled on Jesuits are readily found in this literature.ย Novels and short stories provide a rich context for thought experiments regarding the foundations of metaphysics, morality, science, broader issues in theology and, of course, science fictionโs staple: social critique and critical satire.
Several scholarly analyses of science fiction and its sub-genres exist but hitherto none has specifically focused on Jesuits and the like, so this book will be an early voice in this conversation. The goal is to construct a collection of papers by philosophers, theologians and other interested scholars to provide a solid overview of the origins, continuity, future projections and analysis of this fascinating area of literature.
Suggested Possible Topics (but by no means limited to):
- Adumbrations of the Jesuits in Science Fiction tradition such as C.E. Jacombโsย And a New Earthย (1926) and other works from the 19thย century
- The clash of reason and revelation in novels and short stories such as:
- Asimovโsย Foundation Seriesย and Robot Stories
- Arthur C. Clarkeโs works (Eg.โThe Starโ and โThe Nine Billion Names of Godโ)
- James Blishโsย A Case of Conscienceย andย After Such Knowledgeย trilogy
- Ray Bradburyโsย Martian Chronicles
- Anthony Boucher, โThe Quest for Saint Aquinโ
- Walter M. Miller Jr.โsย A Canticle for Leibowitz
- Frank Herbertโsย Dune
- Harry Harrisonโs โThe Streets of Ashkelonโ
- Dan Simmonsย Hyperion
- Mary Dorian Russellโsย The Sparrowย andย Children of God
- Examinations of reason and revelation in film and video game universes are also welcome, such asย Warhammer 40K.
Important Dates/Submission Guidelines:
Please submit a 500 word abstract no later thanย September 25th, 2020, to:
Richard Feist โย [email protected]
Authors will be informed as to whether to proceed or not by:ย ย October 5th, 2020.
(Full formatting details will be provided upon acceptance of abstract.)
Full papers (maximum 25 pages) will be due byย January 30, 2021.
For Further Information:
Please feel free to email me, Richard Feist,ย [email protected], if you would like to know more about this project.ย I am happy to address any questions or concerns.