SCIENCE FICTION -- fictional narratives about what is known or probable according to our current understanding of physics, history, etc.

FANTASY -- fictional narratives dealing with the impossible.

The problem with these definitions, as I see it, is that our "understanding" is constantly changing. The original Star Trek (which was literary--James Blish-- as well as television) may have been sci-fi in the '60's, but since our "understanding of physics, history, etc." has changed since that period, should it now be considered "fantasy?"

I say, no.

Our "understanding" is constantly changing. To me sci-fi draws its inspiration from modern and futuristic folklore, where as fantasy draws on an older, more traditional folklore. But maybe it's just me.

--Jimm Johnson
Jimm | 09.28.07 - 11:34 pm | #

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Jimm | 09.28.07 - 11:34 pm | #