Class Response

In last week's discussion, we were able to list some of the qualities that we felt most works of Science Fiction share. It seems that a single solid definition of the Science Fiction genre still eludes us. Whatever defining characteristic we gave the genre, someone could usually find an example that is generally considered Science Fiction, but falls outside that definition.

We examined Sci Fi that falls under Asimov or Heinlein's definitions, in which Science Fiction extrapolates real-life problems and examines the impact of scientific development on human beings. We also talked about Sci Fi in the mold of Douglas Adams' stories and Star Wars, in which the science is treated more as a vehicle for fantastic occurrences.

Although we heard quotes from Arthur C. Clarke and Asimov that attempted to define Science Fiction, it should be conceded that Science Fiction has developed since the days of the classic Sci Fi writers. Science Fiction is not now easy to definitively categorize as a vision of the future or an extrapolation of the effects of science on modern society.

After our discussions in class, it seemed to me that Science Fiction might only be definable by separating it into different classes of "science-fantasy" or "science-social-allegory." The now varied array of Science Fiction makes definition cumbersome. Still, I think that we noted many important common features of Science Fiction works, such as the supposition of scientific realism and the incorporation of the fantastic by way of technology.