Outline of science fiction
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to science fiction:
Science fiction—genre of fiction dealing with the impact of imagined innovations in science or technology, often in a futuristic setting.[1][2][3] Exploring the consequences of such innovations is the traditional purpose of science fiction, making it a "literature of ideas".[4]
Nature of science fiction
- Main article: Science fiction
- Definitions of science fiction: Science fiction includes such a wide range of themes and subgenres that it is notoriously difficult to define.[5] Accordingly, there have been many definitions offered.
Science fiction can be described as a type of:
- Fiction: form of narrative which deals, in part or in whole, with events that are not factual, but rather, imaginary and invented by its author(s). Although fiction often describes a major branch of literary work, it is also applied to theatrical, cinematic, and musical work.
- Genre: science fiction is a genre of fiction.
Genres of science fiction
A science fiction genre is a sub-category within the broader context of the science fiction genre as a whole. Science fiction may be divided along any number of overlapping axes. Gary K. Wolfe's Critical Terms for Science Fiction and Fantasy identifies over 30 definitions of SF, not including speculative fiction and science fantasy.
Science
Genres concerning the emphasis, accuracy, and type of science described include:
- Hard science fiction—a particular emphasis on scientific detail and/or accuracy
- Soft science fiction—focus on human characters and their relations and feelings, while de-emphasizing the details of technological hardware and physical laws
- Social science fiction—concerned less with technology and space opera and more with sociological speculation about human society
Characteristics
Themes related to science, technology, space and the future, as well as characteristic plots or settings include:
Movements
Genres concerning politics, philosophy, and identity movements include:
Eras
Genres concerning the historical era of creation and publication include:
- Cyberpunk—noted for its focus on "high tech and low life" and taking its name from the combination of cybernetics and punk.
- Golden Age of Science Fiction—a period of the 1940s during which the science fiction genre gained wide public attention and many classic science fiction stories were published.
- New Wave science fiction—characterised by a high degree of experimentation, both in form and in content.
- Pulp science fiction
- Scientific romance—an archaic name for what is now known as the science fiction genre, mostly associated with the early science fiction of the United Kingdom.
- Steampunk—alternate histories in the spirit of Jules Verne, where a Victorian era steam-powered society develops advanced technologies.
Combinations
Main article:
Genre fiction
Genres that combine two different fiction genres or use a different fiction genre's mood or style include:
Related genres
Science fiction by country
History of science fiction
- Main article: History of science fiction
Elements of science fiction
Character elements in science fiction
Plot elements in science fiction
Plot devices in science fiction
Setting elements in science fiction
The setting is the environment in which the story takes place. Elements of setting may include culture (and its technologies), period (including the future), place (geography/astronomy), nature (physical laws, etc.), and hour. Setting elements characteristic of science fiction include:
Place
Cultural setting elements
Sex and gender in science fiction
Technology in science fiction
Themes in science fiction
Style elements in science fiction
Works of science fiction
Science fiction art
Science fiction games
Science fiction computer games
Science fiction role-playing games
Science fiction literature
Science fiction novels
Science fiction short stories
Venues for science fiction short stories
Science fiction video
Science fiction radio
- Science fiction radio programs
Information sources
Science fiction in academia
Science fiction subculture
Science fiction awards
The science fiction genre has a number of recognition awards for authors, editors and illustrators.[6] Awards are usually granted annually.
International awards
Nationality specific awards
Themed awards
New artists / first works
Career awards
Persons influential in science fiction
Creators of science fiction
Science fiction artists
Science fiction film-makers
Creators of science fiction literature
Science fiction scholars
See also
References
External links
Outlines
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