Russell Blackford - Official Home Page

Russell Blackford official site

Photo by Damian Christie

Just the basics

I am an Australian writer, philosopher, and literary critic, based in Melbourne, Victoria, where I am currently a postgraduate student in the School of Philosophy and Bioethics, Monash University. I've also been teaching in a wide range of subjects in the School. I am editor-in-chief of The Journal of Evolution and Technology.

You can find my philosophy-related curriculum vitae (including a short list of relevant academic publications) here. My qualifications include First Class Honours degrees in both Arts and Law, a Ph.D on the supposed return to myth in contemporary literature, and a Master of Bioethics degree.

Within Australia, I'm probably best known for my articles in intellectual and literary magazines such as Quadrant and Meanjin. Some of my published articles are available on this site. I also have a blog - Metamagician and the Hellfire Club - where I discuss everything from personal events to philosophical positions.

As a creative writer, I specialise in science fiction, fantasy and horror. My non-fiction work frequently deals with issues involving science and society, philosophical bioethics, various areas of philosophy, and history and current state of the science fiction genre.

Writing Projects

My most recent book is Kong Reborn, a contemporary/near-future sequel to King Kong (the original 1933 movie). Kong Reborn was released in the US in October 2005.

My next book will be an edited collection, put together by Udo Schuklenk and myself, provisionally entitled Voices of Disbelief. This will be published by Blackwell, a major academic publisher based in Oxford (and now part of Wiley-Blackwell), in 2009.

Voices of Disbelief will contain a large number (50 to 60) essays by prominent witers, philosophers, journalists, and others who reject belief in religious dogma, including the existence of the Abrahamic God. These will be new essays by contributors aged from their 20s to their 80s, from all over the world.

Back to the Truth Mines

In March 2004, I commenced a doctoral program in philosophy at Monash University. Obtaining a second Ph.D may seem a little excessive or extravagant. However, it was an important decision for my career's future direction. It's important to gain the additional credibility that a directly-relevant doctorate will give my philosophical work, particularly when it involves me in debates about important issues relating to humanity's future.

Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies and Journal of Evolution and Technology

Also in 2004, I accepted an appointment with the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies (IEET) as a Fellow attached to its Visions of Utopia and Dystopia Program. IEET is an international think tank that seeks to contribute to the understanding of the impact of emerging technologies on individuals and societies. In early 2008 I was appointed by IEET as editor-in-chief of its flagship on-line journal, The Journal of Evolution and Technology.

Latest Update

23 April 2008: I have signed the contract for my next book. With a working title Voices of Disbelief, it will be co-edited by Udo Schuklenk and my good self and published by Blackwell, a top academic publisher, in 2009. I'll be adding content to the site about it.

17 January 2008: I have been appointed as editor-in-chief of The Journal of Evolution and Technology, the flagship on-line, peer-reviewed journal published by the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies.

8 January 2008: Very sad news. My mother died in hospital today after a period of protracted serious illness. This is a time of grieving for my family. A simple funeral service, as she requested, will be held on Friday 11 January.

Go here for an archive of earlier news.

This Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Net Ring site
is owned by
Russell Blackford.