Book Review: Sci-Phi - Philosophy from Socrates to Schwarzenegger by Mark Rowlands

There seems to be a mini-trend or mini-wave of books aimed at the philosophy-loving science-fiction geeks. Or maybe it’s for sci-fi loving philosophy geeks. And it now has a name - sci-phi. Some examples have been great, like the “Popular Culture and Philosophy” series, which tackled movie and TV greats such as The Matrix and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There have been some not-so-great titles also, including Matrix Warrior: Being the One, which tackled the much debated Matrix but using it as a template for the writer’s own philosophy. It had no connection with the movie's philosophical content, which was summarily refuted and dismissed by the writer. Not a good way to go when you’re pushing a book at sci-fi geeks.

Mark Rowlands, in Sci-Phi - Philosophy from Socrates to Schwarzenegger, succeeds, however, in hitting the target with a witty, hilarious and no-holds-barred take on the phenomenon. Although Rowlands sees himself as an armchair philosopher, the man’s done his homework and he brings the chips and the beer. Our Brit philosopher also proudly admits to having a weak spot for the bad sci-fi movies (without them being B-grade, either), because despite how bad it is, he states what has been said before but many scoff at: The answers to all of life’s questions can be found in movies.

Not without a certain sense of satisfaction to this reviewer, Rowlands has wood for Verhoven and/or Schwarzenegger. Both if possible. Half the movies on which he philosophizes are either Verhoven or Schwarzenegger movies. But sci-fi elitists worry not, because he has high praise for the brilliant classics such as Blade Runner, Aliens and The Matrix. And no book on sci-phi would be complete with a chapter devoted to the geek-fest that is Star Wars.

He suggests you watch the chapter’s theme movie(s) before reading the chapter devoted to the title(s). But most sci-fi geeks have already repetitively viewed all these classic titles and probably have the script memorized. Shamefully I must admit to knowing all these movies almost by heart, with some titles having been viewed over a hundred times each, so the reader can understand this reviewer’s enthusiasm towards this book. But worry not; I would quickly trash it had it not been up to par.