WeCanReason Webinar - Humanism in Science Fiction: ... with Alan Koslow

This talk explores science fiction as a humanist literature that repeatedly asks how humans make moral choices when divine authority, tradition, and guaranteed meaning are absent. Tracing a line from early speculative works through H. G. Wells, the Golden Age, the New Wave, and contemporary science fiction, the lecture argues that the genre is less about technology than about human responsibility under altered conditions. As science fiction matures, it strips away not only God, but also the reassurance of progress itself, forcing characters—and readers—to confront ethics without certainty, salvation, or moral safety nets.

About the Speaker:
Dr. Alan Koslow is a retired vascular surgeon, humanitarian responder, medical researcher, and public policy advocate with more than five decades of experience improving lives in the United States and around the world. His work spans disaster medicine deployments, health legislation, international medical education, and community leadership. He has served on the front lines in crises from Haiti to South Sudan, helped shape major public health laws in Iowa, conducted early stem-cell research, and interviewed national leaders on science, governance, and public policy

Get ready for WeCanReason 2026 — Western Canada’s premier conference for science, skepticism, and rational thought, happening in Calgary this May. We have three days of activities, an exciting lineup of speakers, and several ticket options and prices, including tickets for students and low-income residents. Go to our website at wecanreason.com to know more.

If you are not an RMA member, please consider becoming one (it's only $20/year) or donating to help cover costs (Meetup fees, website, Zoom, etc.). Every little bit helps! Click this link (membership) to join or this link (donate) to donate. Thanks for being part of this!