Science Fiction: Joe Breslin on the Beauty and Value of Strange Worlds

In this week's episode, we discuss science fiction with Mr. Joe Breslin, fifth grade teacher and soon-to-be published author of Other Minds: 13 Tales of Wonder and Sorrow. Surveying the wide umbrella of literature and film termed "sci-fi," Mr. Breslin helps us understand what makes this genre of literature valuable, interesting, and beautiful. As Mr. Breslin explains, science fiction done well offers a celebration of the human person, showing us in often strange ways what is possible for us as thinking beings. Moreover, by removing us from the humdrum of our ordinary lives and instilling a sense of awe as we experience another world, science fiction can provide new insights into old problems, helping us rediscover the wonder of our own everyday lives. And this is often much needed–for although our world may never be lacking in wonders, we may at times find our weary selves lacking in the wonder to see it. Chapters 1:40 What is science fiction? 2:20 Science fiction vs. fantasy 4:30 Kinds of science fiction Space opera Hard sci-fi Dystopia Post-apocalyptic Steampunk Military Horror Classic 11:30 Insights from different genres 13:03 Personal favorites of Mr. Breslin 16:10 Why is science fiction valuable? 17:37 Perception vs. reality 18:27 Anthropology through another lens 19:19 Science fiction as a humanistic kind of literature 22:13 Challenges of writing science fiction 28:45 Mr. Breslin's own writing 30:30 A common thread: strange encounters 32:32 Self-publishing 34:35 Good fiction infused with Faith 38:38 Why read science fiction? 40:25 A caveat: the danger of focusing on man under a single aspect 42:43 Literature: utility and enjoyment 44:50 Learn more about Mr. Breslin's work Also on The Forum Modern Literature: On Curating the Contemporary with Michael Ortiz Guiding Our Boys through Modern Literature with Joe Breslin and Lionel Yaceczko Exploring and Expressing the Human Condition through Literature with Michael Ortiz Forum Reviews Additional Resources Joey Breslin Writes, Mr. Breslin's writing website