Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter. Herein are links to more information and what we can do in support as well as an overview of some of our favourite books by BAME authors.
Television
Gender-Inverted Trope: Philosopher Queens
In art, as in life, the trope of the philosopher usually depicts a male character, sage-like, with a tendency to impart useful information. In this short but sweet piece of pop(culture)corn, we highlight gender-inverted instances of the Philosopher and Philosopher King.
Picard, Time Travel & Moral Motivation
We love that Jean-Luc Picard is back on TV. However, does this have weird implications for time travel in the Star Trek universe?
Peppa Pig & the Ontological Argument
Peppa Pig is not merely a morally questionable piece of entertainment for children; it’s ripe with unplucked philosophical fruit. In this article we consider the light it can shed on Anselm’s Ontological Argument for the existence of God.
The Turing Test (Part 1)
The Turing Test is a popular device in fiction, becoming an umbrella term for language-based tests to determine whether computers or other synthetic beings have minds. Here we explore the origins of the Turing Test and some examples of fictional machines that would pass it.
On Persistence & Memory
What makes you the same person from one day to the next? How can your favourite character survive a brain swap, teleportation, or shape-shifting? This article explores the Persistence Question, as it arises in your favourite fiction. But it isn't just a matter for philosophers or fiction: problems of personal identity have ramifications for your everyday life...
Trope Alert: The Supernatural Detective
Launching Pop(Culture)Corn: short and tasty morsels for your reading pleasure. In this instalment, we introduce the Supernatural Detective trope - not to be confused with the Occult Detective, the narrower Vampire Detective Series, or broader Exotic Detective - with some of our favourite examples.
Catherine Sangster, On Dictionaries, Pronunciation, and Geekery (Part 3)
Catherine Sangster - Head of Pronunciation at Oxford Dictionaries - joins The Doctor for a three-part chat on lexicography, pronunciation, tropes, and all things geeky. In this final instalment, we discuss how dictionaries can be subversive, the connection between academia and fandom, and texts that do interesting things with language.
Sherlocked in Samarra
Sherlock's back and so are we, discussing fate, death, and a very important appointment in Samarra.
Royal Shakespeare Company, Cymbeline
The Doctor doesn't write reviews, or read non-fiction. Neither of these is strictly true. Thus, Cymbeline (a not-review).
Adrian Tchaikovsky, On Tropes, Writing, & Children of Time
Adrian Tchaikovsky - acclaimed British fantasy and sci-fi author - chats with The Doctor about tropes, genre, and the nitty gritty of his Arthur C. Clarke-winning Children of Time. Insightful and informative for both fans and newcomers alike.
Nine Worlds Wrap-Up
A retrospective of our time at Nine Worlds, with a hint of what's coming soon.