Introduction: Ethical Questions in Contemporary Science Fiction Films

Abstract

Magerstädt’s.book offers a review of contemporary Science fiction narratives and the ethical questions that are raised in contemporary Science fiction films. The Introduction outlines some of the specific changes in recent science fiction cinema, particularly with regard to changes in our relationship to body and soul. The Introduction further sets the frame for Magerstädt’s discussion by explaining the rationale for using science fiction blockbusters The Matrix and Avatar as corner stones in the analysis. This chapter also provides an overview of the three main chapters of the book, each of which circles around the concept of body, soul and cyberspace respectively. She finally highlights the key question of the book, namely what makes us human?