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Dara Fogel, PhD

Dara Fogel, Ph.D. watched the original broadcasts of Star Trek with her father as a wee lass, and has been attending cons since the age of nine. As a working academic, ethicist, and philosopher, she taught several Star Trek and Matrix-themed philosophy courses at the University of Oklahoma and the University of New Mexico, as well as teaching ethics, humanities, religion, and philosophy. She was the first queen of the Norman Medieval Fair and is still an active volunteer, and was the founding director of the Santa Fe Renaissance Fair. She is the author of the bestselling Steampunk series The GrailChase Chronicles, which is an unholy combination of speculative science, conspiracy theory, metaphysics, and romance. She has published academically and presented extensively on the philosophies of Star Trek, Steampunk, and Holographic Universe Theory. Her essay "Life in the Holodeck" is included in Blackwell's The Ultimate Star Trek and Philosophy, and in Blackwell's textbook Philosophy and Popular Culture. She is delighted to be returning to Soonercon, and invites you to come explore Science Fiction & Philosophy.

02:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

The Trek of Theseus

Philosophical thought experiment: Does an object that has had all of its components replaced remains fundamentally the same object? Apply the “ship of Theseus” concept to Trek or other franchises. How much can be changed before it's not Star Trek, Star Wars, Dungeons and Dragons, or another cherished nerd franchise?

Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Aaron Bossig, Michael Cross, Daniel Erickson

Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction

07:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium

Literary Beers

Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.

Moderator: -

Panelists: Michael "Gecko" Adams, Kimber E Chessmore, Dara Fogel, PhD, Brenna Deutchman, Shai Fenwick, Mark Finn, Neal Hallford, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp, vickey malone kennedy, Julia S. Mandala, Tracy S. Morris, Stephen Patrick, Rook Riley, A C Smart, Scott Zrubek

Tracks: Meetup, General Interest, Writing & Publishing, Art

11:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium

Salon Philosophique

Open sci-fi-oriented philosophy public discussions. All are welcome. (45 minutes)

Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Meetup

02:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Separating Art from Artist ... or Author

Fans are bound to encounter beloved stories and art created by individuals whose personal actions or beliefs are disappointing. Is it possible to separate the art from the artist and continue to enjoy these works? While there are no easy answers, we aim to foster reflection and understanding of the complex relationship between creator and creation.

Moderator: Chaz Kemp

Panelists: Chaz Kemp, M. Scott Carter, Robert Daniels, Dara Fogel, PhD, Julia S. Mandala, Ted Pennella

Tracks: Art, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment

04:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium

Salon Philosophique

Open sci-fi-oriented philosophy public discussions. All are welcome. (1 hour)

Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Meetup

09:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium

Koffeeklatch

Join panelists in the hotel breakfast area for morning networking and conversation. BYO coffee, please.

Moderator: -

Panelists: Michael "Gecko" Adams, Alice-of-Hearts, Julie Barrett, Aaron Bossig, Dara Fogel, PhD, Divine Creations Cosplay - Allison, Divine Creations Cosplay - Marlie, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Rhonda Eudaly, Mark Finn, J.H. Fleming, Tim Frayser, GalaxyGhost, Teddy Harvia, Trina Jacobs, Melinda LaFevers, Tracy S. Morris, Mrs. Babb, Stephen Patrick, Jeff Provine, Rook Riley, Collin Salmonowicz, A C Smart, Tommy B. Smith, Laura J. Underwood, Yakisoba Zay Michaels

Tracks: Meetup, General Interest, Professional Development

10:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium

Salon Philosophique

Open sci-fi-oriented philosophy public discussions. All are welcome. (1 hour)

Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Meetup

01:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Neurodivergent Characters in Fantasy and Anime

We shine the spotlight on characters who are coded as neurodivergent in media. We explore characters like Frieren, L, Violet Evergarden, Radical Edward, Steris, Shallan, and more. How do these characters challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive narrative? We'll highlight the importance of authentic representation, the impact it has on audiences, and the vital role these characters play in storytelling.

Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Madilynn Dale, Clinton Girkin, Rook Riley

Tracks: Anime, Culture & World Affairs, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

02:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Regeneration: More Than Cheating Death?

James Bond, Spider-Man, Batman, Sherlock Holmes, Superman … these and others change actors all the time, and nobody bats an eyelid. How would Doctor Who be different if the actor changed every few years without fanfare? Is “regeneration” core to Whoniverse?

Moderator: Evan T. Wardwell

Panelists: Evan T. Wardwell, Julie Barrett, Michael Cross, Dara Fogel, PhD, Selina Rosen

Tracks: Film & TV, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment