Series: Science Fiction or Fantasy?

For decades, Star Wars developed a near cult-like following. Fans treated the original series with reverence, finding inspiration in the

Our central thesis is that science fiction consists of speculative fiction set in a naturalistic world. First, let’s define our

If science fiction is speculative fiction set in a naturalistic world, then fantasy is speculative fiction that is set in

The central distinction explored in this series — science fiction as inhabiting a naturalistic universe, and fantasy as inhabiting a

Most viewers distinguish between science fiction and fantasy based on aesthetic alone — futuristic settings, spaceships, and high technology have

Few things highlight the distinction between science fiction and fantasy better than science fantasy. Science fantasy comes in multiple forms,

The borders of science fiction (as a genre) have not always tracked the distinction we have made in this series.

Note: This article is a follow-up to a series published earlier this summer on the differences between science fiction and