Star Trek's Philosophy of Peace and Justice : A Global, Anti-Racist Approach

Countering the dystopic and the apocalyptic, Star Trek Philosophy introduces political philosophical reflections on peace, justice, and non-violence through dramatic plots in the utopian Star Trek Universe. By looking at a society where human beings have overcome war, poverty, hunger, and greed, José-Antonio Orosco argues that we can think through the big questions in political philosophy and peace and justice studies by using Star Trek as a blueprint for a more just society. Using key insights from a global array of philosophers, thinkers, and activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez, Angela Davis, Martha Nussbaum, Johan Galtung, and Desmond Tutu, Orosco guides readers through different Star Trek episodes. Applying key concepts from peace and justice studies, political and moral philosophy, and intersectional theory throughout to reveal the radical potential and unique philosophical standpoint of each episode. In the Star Trek Universe, seemingly impossible realities, based on peace and justice exist indefinitely in a post-scarcity society marked by economic cooperation. Star Trek's Philosophy of Peace and Justice continues its bold utopian mission and brings new challenges to the field of peace and justice studies that center anti-racism and intersectional theory to encourage the exploration, over conquest, of our own galaxy. Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Contents Illustrations Acknowledgments Introduction: Star Trek and the Philosophy of Peace What Is Peace and Justice Studies? Peace in a Polarized World Science Fiction, Political Imagination, and Social Activism Why Is Star Trek Important Now? Plan of the Book Chapter 1: Violence and Human Nature: The Enemy Within Star Trek Episodes: “The Enemy Within,” “Tapestry,” and “Miri” The Peace Studies Debate: Is Human Nature Inherently Aggressive and Violent? The Enemy Within View The Situational Ideal Conclusion Chapter 2: The Multiple Dimensions of Violence Star Trek Episodes: “The Cloud Minders,” “Past Tense, Parts I and II” Peace Studies Concepts: What Does Violence Look Like in the World? Spectacular Violence The Triangle of Violence: Direct, Structural, Cultural Star Trek Lessons: What Is the Morally Responsible Response to Violence? Conclusion Chapter 3: The Nature of Peace and Human Flourishing Star Trek Episodes: “The Return of the Archons,” “The Apple,” and “This Side of Paradise” Peace Studies Concepts: Negative and Positive Peace Star Trek Lessons: Is Kirk Justified in Intervening in Peaceful Societies? Conclusion Chapter 4: Towards an Anti-Racist Future Star Trek Episodes and the Colorblind Ideal: “Balance of Terror,” “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield,” and “The Savage Curtain” Star Trek and the Multicultural Ideal: The Cases of Chakotay, Sisko, and Rios Star Trek and Critical Antiracism The Advantage of an Anti-Racist Future Conclusion Chapter 5: Mercy, Forgiveness, and Justice Star Trek Episodes: “The Conscience of the King” and “Nemesis” Peace Studies Concepts: Revenge and Retribution “Arena”: The Value of Mercy “Return to Grace” and “Waltz”: The Value of Grace “Jetrel”: The Value of Forgiveness Forgiveness and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Conclusion Chapter 6: Imagining a Better World The Ecosystems Services Ideal: “The Man Trap,” “The Devil in the Dark,” Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home The Biotic Community Ideal: “Home Soil” and “Force of Nature” The Earth Democracy Ideal: “Choose Your Pain,” and “Second Contact” Conclusion Conclusion Notes Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Conclusion References Index "Countering the dystopic and the apocalyptic, Star Trek Philosophy introduces political philosophical reflections on peace, justice, and non-violence through dramatic plots in the utopian Star Trek Universe. By looking at a society where human beings have overcome war, poverty, hunger, and greed, José-Antonio Orosco argues that we can think through the big questions in political philosophy and peace and justice studies by using Star Trek as a blueprint for a more just society. Using key insights from a global array of philosophers, thinkers, and activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez, Angela Davis, Martha Nussbaum, Johan Galtung, and Desmond Tutu, Orosco guides readers through different Star Trek episodes. Applying key concepts from peace and justice studies, political and moral philosophy, and intersectional theory throughout to reveal the radical potential and unique philosophical standpoint of each episode. In the Star Trek Universe, seemingly impossible realities, based on peace and justice exist indefinitely in a post-scarcity society marked by economic cooperation. Star Trek's Philosophy of Peace and Justice continues its bold utopian mission and brings new challenges to the field of peace and justice studies that center anti-racism and intersectional theory to encourage the exploration, over conquest, of our own galaxy"-- Provided by publisher Countering the dystopic and the apocalyptic, Star Trek's Philosophy of Peace and Justice introduces political philosophical reflections on peace, justice, and non-violence through dramatic plots in the utopian Star Trek Universe. Using key insights from a global array of philosophers, thinkers, and activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez, Angela Davis, Martha Nussbaum, Johan Galtung, and Desmond Tutu, José-Antonio Orosco guides readers through different Star Trek episodes, applying key concepts from peace and justice studies. In the Star Trek Universe, seemingly impossible realities, based on peace and justice exist indefinitely in a post-scarcity society marked by economic cooperation. Orosco continues its bold utopian mission and brings new challenges to the field of peace and justice studies that center anti-racism and intersectional theory to encourage the exploration, over conquest, of our own galaxy.