Radical plurality: Science and religion in the writings of Karel Čapek

Michael Fuller

doi:10.4324/9781003213987-5

Radical plurality: Science and religion in the writings of Karel Čapek

Michael Fuller

School of Divinity

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Abstract / Description of output

A star in the literary firmament in the 1920s and 1930s, Karel Čapek is now known in the English-speaking world largely through the lasting influence of his play RUR, which coined the word ‘robot’ and thereby introduced an entire science fiction sub-genre. RUR draws on scientific and religious themes, and the interplay of science and religion features throughout Čapek's literary output, which embraces short stories and novels as well as works for the stage. This chapter explores the philosophical background Čapek brings to his writings as well as his use of them as ‘thought experiments’ exploring the inter-relationship of science and religion, maintaining – though not uncritically – a place for both in his vision of the world.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Science and Religion in Western Literature
Subtitle of host publication	Critical and Theological Studies
Editors	Michael Fuller
Publisher	Routledge
Chapter	4
Pages	57-75
Number of pages	19
Edition	1st
ISBN (Electronic)	9781003213987
ISBN (Print)	9781032077123
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003213987-5
Publication status	Published - 16 Aug 2022

Publication series

Name	Routledge Science and Religion Series
Publisher	Routledge

Access to Document

10.4324/9781003213987-5

Cite this

@inbook{53640f4da9e94b4883ebe4555964555d,

title = "Radical plurality: Science and religion in the writings of Karel {\v C}apek",

abstract = "A star in the literary firmament in the 1920s and 1930s, Karel {\v C}apek is now known in the English-speaking world largely through the lasting influence of his play RUR, which coined the word {\textquoteleft}robot{\textquoteright} and thereby introduced an entire science fiction sub-genre. RUR draws on scientific and religious themes, and the interplay of science and religion features throughout {\v C}apek's literary output, which embraces short stories and novels as well as works for the stage. This chapter explores the philosophical background {\v C}apek brings to his writings as well as his use of them as {\textquoteleft}thought experiments{\textquoteright} exploring the inter-relationship of science and religion, maintaining – though not uncritically – a place for both in his vision of the world.",

author = "Michael Fuller",

note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2023 selection and editorial matter, Michael Fuller; individual chapters, the contributors.",

year = "2022",

month = aug,

day = "16",

doi = "10.4324/9781003213987-5",

language = "English",

isbn = "9781032077123",

series = "Routledge Science and Religion Series",

publisher = "Routledge",

pages = "57--75",

editor = "Michael Fuller",

booktitle = "Science and Religion in Western Literature",

edition = "1st",

}

TY - CHAP

T1 - Radical plurality

T2 - Science and religion in the writings of Karel Čapek

AU - Fuller, Michael

PY - 2022/8/16

Y1 - 2022/8/16

N2 - A star in the literary firmament in the 1920s and 1930s, Karel Čapek is now known in the English-speaking world largely through the lasting influence of his play RUR, which coined the word ‘robot’ and thereby introduced an entire science fiction sub-genre. RUR draws on scientific and religious themes, and the interplay of science and religion features throughout Čapek's literary output, which embraces short stories and novels as well as works for the stage. This chapter explores the philosophical background Čapek brings to his writings as well as his use of them as ‘thought experiments’ exploring the inter-relationship of science and religion, maintaining – though not uncritically – a place for both in his vision of the world.

AB - A star in the literary firmament in the 1920s and 1930s, Karel Čapek is now known in the English-speaking world largely through the lasting influence of his play RUR, which coined the word ‘robot’ and thereby introduced an entire science fiction sub-genre. RUR draws on scientific and religious themes, and the interplay of science and religion features throughout Čapek's literary output, which embraces short stories and novels as well as works for the stage. This chapter explores the philosophical background Čapek brings to his writings as well as his use of them as ‘thought experiments’ exploring the inter-relationship of science and religion, maintaining – though not uncritically – a place for both in his vision of the world.

UR - https://www.routledge.com/Science-and-Religion-in-Western-Literature-Critical-and-Theological-Studies/Fuller/p/book/9781032077123

U2 - 10.4324/9781003213987-5

DO - 10.4324/9781003213987-5

M3 - Chapter

SN - 9781032077123

T3 - Routledge Science and Religion Series

SP - 57

EP - 75

BT - Science and Religion in Western Literature

A2 - Fuller, Michael

PB - Routledge

ER -

Radical plurality: Science and religion in the writings of Karel Čapek

Abstract / Description of output

Publication series

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

'Heretical…dangerous and potentially subversive': The problem of science and religion in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World

Introduction

Science and Religion in Western Literature: Critical and Theological Studies

Cite this