Science Fiction

Science fiction author Robert Heinlein defines SF as

realistic speculation about possible future events, based solidly on adequate knowledge of the real world, past and present, and on a thorough understanding of the nature and significance of the scientific method.

To make this definition cover all science fiction (instead of "almost all") it is necessary only to strike out the word "future" (Heinlein, 1969, as quoted in Gökçe, 1996).

Science fiction tells a story based on technology, current or future. Where fantasy focuses on the impossible, the ideas in science fiction are possible, if not probable, based on our knowledge of technology.

Characteristics

History

Appeal

Talking with readers

Key Authors

References

Gökçe, Neyir C. (1996). Definitions of science fiction. Retrieved August 7, 2008, Web site: http://www.panix.com/~gokce/sf_defn.html

lhayden	Latest page update: made by lhayden , Aug 7 2008, 1:17 PM EDT (about this update About This Update added in-line citation for Heinlein quote - lhayden 3 words added view changes - complete history)
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