On Science Fiction vs. Science Fantasy

[gulgothica]

This is a contentious subject for many people.

Science Fiction is by definition (take Wikipedia for one) about the consequences of new technology on society

Comments

[pielology]

To what uses are your definitions intended to be put?

The nice thing about the "implausible concept" is that it neatly explains why alternate histories are so often shelved with the scifi (and why historical novels about, say, the advent of electricity, or the social impact of the Black Plague, are not). I think the technology part is mostly just relevant as a nod to history - I mean, Left Hand of Darkness wasn't about technology, really.

[gulgothica]

It's something which comes up from time to time. I often have geeky friends lament one franchise or another which they despise because people assume they'll like it but they think hardly counts as science fiction.

Alternate histories usually fall into 'speculative fiction,' which is a whole 'nother can of worms. Generally can be described as an analysis of a separate structure but with nothing new. So, no new technology, just repurposed or with portions missing.

*goes back to housework*

[pielology]

Oh, well, if the purpose is to provide a definition that will separate "things $geekyfriend likes" from "things $geekyfriend doesn't like" ... I dunno, I'm guessing there are either more specific reasons they don't like a given franchise and they have failed to articulate them, or else $geekyfriend is consuming culture all wrong.

I've always used "speculative fiction" as an umbrella term, particularly for anything that tries to answer "what would [humanity|the world] be like if?" types of questions.

So do you consider Left Hand of Darkness to be science fiction?

[gulgothica]

Haven't read it, sorry.

I think the definition for me grew out of a conversation with a friend about why he hates Star Wars, but loves Star Trek. After lengthy discussions, I realized that his feelings were largely due to the SciFi/ SciFa divide and it caused me to delve deeper into what differentiates them.