Science Fiction: Welcome to my Worlds

There are big differences between Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror genres and you will probably find many different definitions of them. My purpose here will be to define them in a practical manner so you will know what I mean when I refer to them in the future. One caveat I should mention: In general, I tend to like both science fiction and fantasy-- but I do NOT usually like novels (or movies) in the horror field. That prejudice may show in my definition. :)

Science Fiction is usually thought of in terms of hard science: That is, spaceships and other futuristic technology which is at least reasonably projectable from some aspect of current technology. Some people (myself included) also think that at least some paranormal phenomena, i.e. psionics, telekinesis, clairvoyance, telepathy, astral travel and etc. should also be included in the category of Sci-Fi, IF they are presented in the proper manner, even though they don't spring from a root science that has been acceptably 'proven' to be true as yet.

Now why should that be, you might indignantly ask. Because, as in many other areas, sometimes the appearance of something is more important than its underlying reality. Paranormal phenomena may turn out to be complete pseudo-science but, as long as the possibility of its validity exists, and it is presented as science rather than supernatural, in the story, then it should fall under the heading of Science Fiction. As an example, the Darkover novels of (now deceased) Marion Zimmer Bradley (based totally on the psionic science of laran) are unquestionably science fiction because of their technological background. The Pliocene Exile series of Julian May is another excellent example of psionics in a technological setting.

That being said, I would add that this applies only to the areas of the paranormal which can (pseudo)scientifically be considered to spring from human origin. Stories about ghosts and demons, for example, normally fall under the supernatural heading and would always be fantasy UNLESS some story twist shows that said ghosts or demons are, in fact, misunderstood extraterrestrials. Alien species almost always fall under the heading of science fiction.

Generally speaking, it is the attitude of Fantasy that 'anything goes' which distinguishes it from Science Fiction. When you are talking about the BEST of fantasy, however, you will usually find there are underlying rules, even in the use of magic. Even though magic or sorcery has NO basis in scientific fact, if the author does not provide some method of operation for their magical system it quickly becomes meaningless. The Lafayette O' Leary novels of Keith Laumer are a great read and good examples of providing a magical system of operation.

Again, it is a question of attitude which distinguishes Horror from Science Fiction. Superficially, the genre of Horror may appear quite similar to that of Science Fiction in that it has many of the same elements such as aliens and futuristic technology. That's where the similarity ends. Science Fiction normally provides a more well rounded representation in that it depicts aliens who are different enough to provide needed conflict for the story but still shown as 'people'. That is they are represented as intelligent beings with their own set of priorities and needs which don't necessarily coincide with those of humans.

The horror genre presents a much simpler context in which aliens are always 'monsters' without any regard for more subtle factors. In short, a Horror novel or movie is designed with the quick thrill of terror in mind (much as you might get from riding a roller coaster) and no depth of character at all.

The best example of Science Fiction versus Horror I can think of occurred in the TV series Earth: Final Conflict. When the series began, and for the first few seasons, it was unquestionably Science Fiction. It was even good Science Fiction. Then, apparently the ratings fell a bit and the producers decided to go for something 'tried and true' (translate seriously cliche') like alien monsters. So their interesting aliens reverted to alien monsters... no doubt to the delight of twelve year old juveniles everywhere. And, their wonderful Science Fiction series became a Horror atrocity. Television (and sometimes movie) producers have an unfortunate tendency to shoot for the lowest common denominator when making SF flicks... but that's another topic.

I don't expect everyone to necessarily agree with my definitions... but it is how I see them.