Science Fiction Takes Many Forms at Philosophy Symposium March 27-28

Cal State Fullerton Event Promises ‘Spirited Philosophical Fun and Inquiry’

March 21, 2008 :: No. 193

What:	The connection between science fiction, philosophy and human nature will be discussed at Cal State Fullerton’s 38th annual Philosophy Symposium March 27-28 in the theater of the Titan Student Union.	Amy Coplan Thomas P. Klammer Ryan Nichols
Who:	Among the speakers are Gregory Benford, science fiction writer and UC Irvine professor of physics and astronomy; John Trowbridge, assistant editor of the Journal of Chinese Philosophy; and a number of faculty members from throughout the country. Opening remarks March 27 will be made by Thomas P. Klammer, dean of Cal State Fullerton’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Ryan Nichols, CSUF assistant professor of philosophy and author of the forthcoming book “Philosophy Through Science Fiction.”
When/Where:	9 a.m. - 4 p.m. March 27- 28 Titan Theatre, Titan Student Union
Additional:	The free, public symposium was organized by students, who also chose the topics and will present commentary at each discussion session. Planners invite attendees to “join us for a time of spirited philosophical fun and inquiry.”
Sponsors:	College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Philosophy Department, Associated Students Inc., plus Philosophy and Alumni Philosophy clubs
Schedule:	March 27 • 8:45 a.m. — Opening remarks by Thomas P. Klammer, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Ryan Nichols, assistant professor of philosophy • 9 a.m. — “Persistence and Personal Identity: Parfit and Science Fiction Puzzles” presented by Cal State Fullerton alumna Suzi Fleck • 10:45 a.m. — “Stabilizing the Future Greenhouse Earth” delivered by Gregory Benford, science fiction writer and UCI professor of physics and astronomy • 1 p.m. — “Time Travel, Personal Identity and Bodily Continuity” discussed by Richard Hanley, University of Delaware professor of philosophy • 2:15 p.m. — “Whose Sciences? Whose Fiction?” presented by Sandra Harding, UCLA professor of education and information studies March 28 • 9 a.m. — “Are We Living in a Computer Simulation?” discussed by James Van Cleve, USC professor of philosophy • 10:45 a.m. — “First Contact with the ‘Children of Tama’: Correlative and Analytic Styles of Rationality in ‘Star Trek’ and Comparative Philosophy” delivered by John Trowbridge, assistant editor of the Journal of Chinese Philosophy • 1 p.m. — “More Human Than Human: ‘Blade Runner’ and the Philosophical Potential of Science Fiction Film” presented by Amy Coplan, Cal State Fullerton assistant professor of philosophy • 2:30 p.m. — “Third Millennium Decadence” by Jim Grimsley, Emory University professor of English • 4 p.m. — Panel discussion with the symposium’s speakers.
Media Contacts:	Ryan Nichols, Philosophy, 714-278-3611 or rnichols@fullerton.edu Mimi Ko Cruz, Public Affairs, 714-278-7586 or mkocruz@fullerton.edu

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