Ed Robertson
Author ● Journalist ● Radio Host ● Collaborative Writer
What They're
Saying About
The Ethics
of Star Trek
“This book is not only
a must-read for Trek fans
truly interested
in the legacy
of Gene Roddenberry's
creation, but also for
any student of
ethics,
Trek
and non-Trek fans alike.
The Ethics of Star Trek
is graced
with a depth
of clarity and logic
which every reader
will find a rich
and rewarding experience.”
TrekWeb.com
“Trekkies will want to beam this book up to their shelves.”
Publishers
Weekly
“The writing is
non-technical and accessible, and this book, with its focus on a piece of
popular culture, can be a useful introduction to the various philosophical
schools of thought.”
Boulder Weekly
Star Trek links
Dar's
Star Trek Humor Vault
Montaigne's
Web
Jeff
Rector
Star
Trek.com
Though the world of Star Trek is clearly set in the future, its attitudes, politics and culture have always reflected the mores of today. That’s why this phenomenal series has kept us fascinated, challenged, inspired—as well as entertained—for more than 40 years. From the original adventures of Kirk, Spock and McCoy to the 2009 reincarnation by J.J. Abrams, Star Trek reminds us that even in the brave new world of the 24th century, the deepest questions of morality and ethics must still be answered. The fundamental principles that have always guided our heroes are indeed powerful enough to provide direction in our own lives.
But what exactly are the ethics of Star Trek? Where do they come from? Are these principles always the same from series to series? What do they mean for us today? Using episodes from all four Star Trek series, as well as examples from Plato, Aristotle, and other great philosophers from the past, THE ETHICS OF STAR TREK explores the answers to these and other ethical questions:
Who really benefits from justice?
How do you pull yourself together when you’ve been split in two?
If the Prime Directive is so inviolable, why does Kirk always seem to break it?
What’s more important, the intentions of our actions or the results we get?
Does absolute power really corrupt absolutely? What would you do with the power of Q?
Are rational beings the only life forms entitled to our respect?
What would it mean if, deep down, everyone really were a Ferengi?
THE ETHICS OF STAR TREK
By Judith Barad, Ph.D., with Ed Robertson
(HarperCollins, December 2000)
To read the introduction to The Ethics of Star Trek, click here
To listen to an interview with author Judith Barad
on Peace Talk Radio, click here
To order the book, click here
