7 Philosophical Science Fiction Novels You Need to Read

In this video, I’m giving more book recommendations. This time, we’re discussing philosophical science fiction novels. I include a few science fiction classics, like Foundation by Asimov, and a few of my personal favorites as well.

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[Irrazzo]

0:18 Dune
1:24 Solaris
2:36 Cloud Atlas
4:13 Isaac Asimov
5:28 A Canticle for Leibowitz
6:20 Anathem
7:54 Frankenstein

[octavus]

I would recommend soviet scifi "Roadside Picnic" by Strugatsky brothers . Lem said once that he is envious that he did not write that novel. Book nowadays is famous as foundation of Stalker franchise lore

[dagbruck]

I think Ursula K LeGuin has written several novels that could fit your list. Exploring identity and society.

[_jared]

I didn’t say this very clearly in the video, but this is a follow up to an earlier video of mine on the same topic. You might like the books in that video, too. I recommend Le Guin, Butler, and a few other authors I'm sure you'll love.

[asaskald]

I love the timeline you put in the video. I appreciate this so much.

[DarkRuins]

solaris is such a beautiful novel, it really changed me the first time i read it and i just finished the second reread. before even opening this video i told myself, if he doesnt mention Lem, ill be upset. Lem offers such an accessible trove of thought provoking and short novels that sometimes contain some truly haunting prose about life and death. im working my way through his entire catalogue.

[stephenkaczkowski]

I'm 71 years old and read A Canticle for Leibowitz when I was in my late teens. It has never been far from my mind even after all these years. Tha weird thing is I've never met anyone that has read it. Thank you, I was so happy to see someone recognize this profound book.

[jomala]

Brave New World - I read it first 40 years ago and its themes (ends vs means, what it is to be human, utilitarianism, how the world should be arranged post-scarcity, and many others) just get more and more relevant.

[CinkSVideo]

“We” is one book that I recommend to nearly everyone. Science fiction is filled with philosophical perspectives as so many deal with societies in flux. Octavio Butler does this quite well within her books.

[blaze]

I'm a big fan of foundation. I bought it on a whim walking through a book store and it really made me think. My background in statistics and data science maybe added a bit to it too as it prompted a lot of thoughts regarding my work as well.

[TheMikeHaskew]

I’d never heard of Anathem before this video, just finished reading it. One of my favorite all-time reads. The world-building is stunning, and the philosophical schools conflicting were so well done and compelling. Reminded me of a more accessible Three Body Problem. Thanks so much for the recommendation!

[Rike-hcwt]

Came to your channel for the philosophy, delighted to see you discussing sci fi as well. And then you mention "Canticle for Leibowitz"! I found it so touching, yet I've never met another person interested in even reading it. I really appreciate your approach to discussing all these books; sci fi can be such a wonderful and terrifying canvas for "what if"s that I always find it sad when people dismiss it.

[travislrogers]

Great recommendations, just picked up a few. Thanks for another great video!

[marcgoulding]

Really fantastic, man. I very much appreciate your thoughtful perspectives on two things (sci fi and philosophy) of which I've been in an amateur's awe of for years.

[brasscross]

OMG I love that progress bar bro, absolutely phenomenal!

[FretchGaming]

I can also wholeheartidly recommend Ted Chiangs short stories!

[bawesome]

jared: you have been a key part in my renewal of reading and love of philosophy, and just wanted to say thanks and keep up the great high quality content (would also love your thoughts on Notes From The Underground)

[garyleem]

Douglas Adam’s: Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy… sci fi comedy, asks many questions of our existence and gives some surprising answers

[epektasis_shunyata]

You have to include Olaf Stapledon on a list like this. He was an actual philosopher who wrote beautiful science fiction. StarMaker and last and first men.

[terrencewalsh]

Small thing. I LOVE the timeline graphic you have at the bottom of the screen. It's perfect.