ABSTRACT
A star in the literary firmament in the 1920s and 1930s, Karel Čapek is now known in the English-speaking world largely through the lasting influence of his play RUR, which coined the word ‘robot’ and thereby introduced an entire science fiction sub-genre. RUR draws on scientific and religious themes, and the interplay of science and religion features throughout Čapek's literary output, which embraces short stories and novels as well as works for the stage. This chapter explores the philosophical background Čapek brings to his writings as well as his use of them as ‘thought experiments’ exploring the inter-relationship of science and religion, maintaining – though not uncritically – a place for both in his vision of the world.
